Expert Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Simple Ways to Ease Holiday Stress

From wrapping gifts to attending holiday gatherings, the festive season can feel overwhelming. If you’re finding it hard to manage, you’re not alone. Jody Bomstein, a licensed therapist with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, suggests simple strategies to handle holiday stress.

Acknowledge Stress: Recognizing stress is the first step. "We often don’t realize how we feel," Bomstein says. Awareness allows us to address stress effectively.

Reassess Traditions: If certain holiday traditions feel exhausting, give yourself permission to modify or skip them. Prioritize what matters most and set realistic expectations for your to-do list.

Learn to Say No: Declining invitations can relieve pressure. Politely say, "Thank you for the invite, but we can’t make it this year," and leave it at that.

Set Boundaries: If family gatherings are a source of tension, communicate upfront about off-limits topics and have a plan to step away if needed.

Practice Gratitude: Gratitude doesn’t eliminate struggles but highlights the positives amidst challenges. Focusing on what’s good can provide a calming perspective.

With these tools, you can embrace the season’s joys while managing stress.