How to Simplify the Holiday Season to Naturally Decrease Stress and Increase Joy

To some, the holiday season is filled with joy. To others, this season is filled with stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.

Which category do you fall under?

We hope the first! However, if you find yourself stressed out and totally bogged down every year during November and December, you’re not alone. I’ve got good news for you!

There are many things you can do to naturally relieve the unnecessary pressure of the holiday season so you can start enjoying this time of year again!

Here are our recommendations…

Tip #1 - Get a Calendar!

Between work events, family holiday parties, class parties for your kids, family visits, vacations, and everything else in between, you’ve probably got a lot going on this month!

This makes having a calendar to ensure you don’t overbook yourself so important!

We recommend buying a cheap calendar from the store, or printing a free calendar out from online! Then make sure you mark all the days you’ve got events going on.

Bonus tip: Schedule days off for yourself where you don’t commit to going anywhere or doing anything. It’s important to have a few self-care days built into your schedule where you can rest and relax! 

Tip #2 - Just Say No!

Saying no can be really difficult--especially during the holidays when you’re getting all sorts of invites from your friends and family.

But here’s the truth…

It’s exhausting to say yes to everything that comes your way. And honestly...do you really need to attend 3 white elephant parties and your neighbor’s kid’s holiday play?

No, you don’t! (Unless these are things you truly enjoy doing!)

If the hustle and bustle of this season is tough on you, it’s time to set some serious boundaries. And, if you get invited to something you just don’t feel like participating in, understand that it is perfectly fine to politely decline an invite!

Tip #3 - Keep it Simple!

You don’t need a 14 foot Christmas tree, 7 different types of cookies, an extravagant light display, and a fancy holiday cocktail party to get into the holiday spirit.

This year, to reduce stress, keep it simple!

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with putting up decor or baking your favorite holiday treats...just be aware of when extravagance is beginning to take a toll on your mental health.

We personally love a good old Charlie Brown tree. Besides, the holidays are supposed to be about gratitude and cherishing time with the people you love, not all the bling and flashy lights, right?

Tip #4 - Set a Budget!

Did you know that the #1 cause of stress, anxiety, and depression during the holiday season is finances?

Sadly, this season has become quite materialistic for most of America. And, while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being generous and giving gifts, this act of kindness should not stress you out.

To avoid money stress, we highly recommend that you take a look at your finances and set a budget for what you’re going to spend this year on gifts. Planning in advance will help ensure you don’t overspend!

If you don’t have a lot of extra cash on hand this season, that’s ok! Instead of shopping, take some time to create your own affordable gifts. We promise--your friends and family will love any gift that comes from the heart.

Here are some fun ideas of what you can give this year…

• Handwritten letter
• Baked goods
• Coupon book for helping around the house
• Hand-drawn pictures/paintings
• Quality time - carve out time to watch a movie, share a meal, etc. 

Tip #5 - Express Gratitude!

Sometimes the best way to destress is to simply reflect and remember how blessed you truly are.

This holiday season, we encourage you to take some time to reflect on all the positives you had this year. Shifting your focus toward gratitude during this time of year can really help you reframe your mindset so you can relax and unwind.

For example, this year we are grateful for…

• Good friends/Family.
• Our health.
• Our jobs.
• Pets.
• A warm home to come home to every day.
• Time off of work.
• Food on our tables.

What’s on your list?

A Gift from Us to You

Is shopping stressful for you this time of year?

We get it...no one wants to be out and about fighting the crowds in the midst of the cold and snow!

To help you destress a little more, we want to extend you a special coupon that you can use to save big on your groceries in our store this holiday season.

Save an extra 15% all month long!  Use code DECEMBER15 at checkout!

Happy Holidays!

-Pure Modern Living