5 Unexpected Ways to Tackle Holiday Stress (That Don’t Include Deep Breathing)
The holiday season. You know the drill: family gatherings, office parties, and a to-do list that never seems to end. This time of year can be intense, and despite what the commercials would have you believe, not all of us are reveling in endless cups of hot cocoa with beaming smiles. For many, it’s a season of *stress*—the holiday paradox. Here are some unexpected strategies to navigate holiday stress and even find moments of peace (yes, it’s possible).
#1. Get Real About Boundaries (and Practice Saying “No” in the Mirror)
Let’s talk boundaries. The holidays are prime time for boundary violations, especially with family. If you’ve got a family gathering where someone always seems to go one probing question too far, now’s the time to create an action plan. *Practice saying “no” out loud*—literally, in the mirror. Start small, like turning down a request to bake your third batch of cookies for the PTA or even declining an invitation if it’s just too much. These boundaries will save you from burnout and leave room for things you genuinely want to enjoy.
# 2. Plan an Escape Room (for Yourself)
Picture this: you’re in a room with loud family debates, a toddler throwing Cheerios, and someone pressuring you about life goals. Where’s your escape plan? Setting up a secret “sanity zone”—even if it’s just the guest bathroom—can be life-saving. In your escape room, have your phone loaded with a favorite song, a quick meditation app, or even a few funny memes to take a breather and recalibrate. And yes, it’s okay to disappear for five minutes; you don’t have to be “on” the whole time.
# 3. Try “Festive Frustration” Workouts (Forget the Gym)
Forget the treadmill. The holidays need a special kind of workout: try the “festive frustration” workout. This is where you channel that seasonal angst into a solid, sweaty release. Go for something different—whether that’s kickboxing, throwing some punches into a pillow, or going all out in a living-room dance battle to your favorite (or most-hated) holiday song. It’s cathartic and leaves you with a clearer mind, ready to take on that next holiday event.
# 4. Strategically Let Something Drop
We often feel stressed because we believe we need to do it *all*. What would happen if you dropped one thing? Maybe you skip the gift wrapping this year and just throw on some ribbon. Or skip baking from scratch and buy those cookies from the store. This intentional neglect might feel radical, but it’s a perfect stress-buster that keeps your focus on what matters to you.
# 5. Schedule “Decompression Time” Right After Big Events
One secret to surviving the season is anticipating the need for decompression. If you have a big family gathering on the calendar, carve out some “me time” afterward. Schedule a solo coffee date, a walk in the park, or even just a couple of hours with a favorite show. It’s a buffer zone to help you process any stress and reset before diving into the next holiday event.
# 6. When All Else Fails, Reach Out
If the idea of holiday season stress feels overwhelming or if you just need more support, therapy can be a game-changer. We don’t have to navigate this season alone, and sometimes an outside perspective makes all the difference. Schedule a session, and let’s work together to make this season a little brighter—without sacrificing your peace.
Self-schedule your one-on-one with a licensed psychologist to help you get through this holiday season with grace.
