Welcome back to the second installment of our four-part holiday blog series! Today, we’re tackling a common holiday visitor that’s not quite as welcome as Santa Claus—STRESS. Whether it’s the hustle of holiday shopping, the bustle of family gatherings, or the dizzying array of festive commitments, it’s easy to feel more frazzled than festive. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you stay calm and enjoy the holiday cheer.
Simplify Your Schedule
Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is to simply do less. Take a look at your holiday calendar and ask yourself: Do I really need to attend every event? Prioritize your activities based on what brings you the most joy. Remember, it’s okay to say no.
Your holiday season doesn’t have to look like a Hallmark movie marathon unless, of course, that’s your thing! Also, consider prioritizing. In the beginning of each day leading up to Christmas, consider asking, “What is the one thing that I will accomplish today?” This helps both with productivity and stress.
Embrace Imperfection
The holiday season can come with a hefty side of expectation—perfect gifts, perfect decorations, perfect meals. Let’s ditch the perfection for a notion of good-enough. Your cookies might not win a baking show, and your lights might not outshine the Griswold’s, but they’re yours, and they’re wonderful. Embrace a little holiday imperfection and give yourself the gift of peace.
Stay Connected to What Matters
It’s easy to get lost in the commercial hype of the holidays—the endless shopping, the flashy decorations, and the pressure to give the perfect gift. But it’s important to step back and reflect on what the season truly means to you. Is it the joy of family gatherings, the spirit of giving, moments of quiet reflection, or perhaps the opportunity for some well-deserved relaxation?
Once you identify what’s most important to you, actively seek out activities that align with these values. If family is your focus, plan a game night or a special holiday movie viewing. If charity warms your heart, consider volunteering at a local food bank or organizing a toy drive. For those who find peace in reflection, set aside time for writing holiday cards by hand or crafting personalized gifts, which can be meditative and rewarding.
Engaging in activities that reinforce these core values can ground you amid the holiday chaos and provide a deeper sense of satisfaction.
Create a Calm Oasis
With the constant go of the season, find a little time each day to unwind in your personal calm oasis. It might be a corner of your home with a comfy chair and a good book, or perhaps a soothing bath. Whatever it is, make it a no-holiday-stress zone.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing stress. Try starting your day with five minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises. There are plenty of apps that can guide you through quick and easy techniques to help keep your spirits bright all day long.
Healthy Holiday Eating
Remember to “connect the dots” and recognize that the food you eat can make you feel good or not so good. Eating too many sugary treats and processed snacks can make you feel super tired and cranky. It’s like when you have too much candy and then feel sluggish afterward. So, try to enjoy your favorite holiday cookies and candies a little at a time. . One of my clients once told me, “Mike, I notice that when I eat a lot of junk food, I don’t sleep well and feel all stressed the next day.” It’s a smart way to see how what you eat affects how you feel!
Consider mixing in lots of good-for-you foods like fruits, veggies, and nuts. They help keep you full of energy and ready to enjoy all the holiday fun.
The holidays are a time for joy, so let’s keep it light! Instead of stressing over every detail, laugh at the mishaps, and remember that some of the best memories come from the unplanned moments. Besides, a little holiday chaos is part of the package—it’s what makes those calm moments so wonderfully serene.
As a health coach specializing in helping busy people who struggle with low energy, high stress, and chronic pain, I understand the challenges of maintaining balance during the festive season. My approach is all about making manageable, positive changes that add to your life rather than adding to your to-do list.
So, breathe deep, slow down, and let’s make this holiday season one filled with more peace and joy than ever before. Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll explore ways to energize your holiday spirit without overextending your energy reserves. Happy holidays, and remember—calmness is the true gift of the season!
God Bless
Mike
Mike Thomas is a registered pharmacist and a Mayo Clinic-trained, board-certified health coach. He specializes in helping busy professionals overcome low energy, high stress, and chronic pain to reclaim their health and vitality.
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.