Jingle bell runs, mall Santa lines, holiday office parties, family gatherings, gift exchanges (and more gift exchanges)—the holidays are loaded with expectations and buzzing with activities. It’s no surprise that many people consider “the most wonderful time of the year” the most stressful time of the year.
But here’s the thing: the holidays don’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, you can devise quiet, calm, meaningful activities, away from the crowds and chaos, as a way of connecting with family and friends in a manner that doesn’t contribute to stress—and may actually relieve tension. Here are some low-key ways to make the most of holiday togetherness, minus the anxiety.
- Be social on your own terms. Social support can make you more resilient to stress, according to the American Psychological Association. But that socializing doesn’t have to come in the form of boozy holiday parties and crowded mall visits. As the end of the year approaches, think about the people you’d like to meet up with and make a list of healthy activities that will help you accomplish your own personal goals. Maybe that means going for a long walk with a friend to look at holiday lights; or having a pal or two over to wrap gifts or bake treats together. Consider meaningful meet-ups that will help you connect and accomplish something at the same time.
- Spend time in nature. Have you heard of “forest bathing?” It’s basically the new eco-spa. According to American Heart Association, spending time in nature—including walking through the forest—may help relieve stress and anxiety and help you feel better overall. Make a point of getting back to the basics this holiday season. Take a family walk through the woods, bike to the nearest park, strap on the cross country skis and hit the trails. The fresh air and raised heart rate will do you good!
- Do something kind for others. When you lend a helping hand, you’re also making yourself feel better, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s a pretty good deal all around, isn’t it? Think of ways that you could help others—and in doing so, yourself—this holiday season. It could be as simple as running an errand for a neighbor or volunteering at a local charity with a mission that’s meaningful to you.
- Make a list of goals for the new year. Grab a mug of hot tea and turn on some music, because it’s time to make a list! Think about all the things you’d like to accomplish in the coming year and write them down. This can be simple (visiting a new neighborhood café, cooking your first beef Wellington) or more involved (planning a trip abroad, writing a short story or novel). Whatever you happen to write, it’ll be a fun exercise. And according to American Heart Association, prioritizing goals could even have mental and physical health benefits.
- Plan a spa night. Spa and de-stressing go hand-in-hand, right? You don’t have to break the bank to get a good spa treatment (although, if you wish to splurge, that’s fun, too!). With a little bit of planning, you can devise your own DIY spa night. Look online for ideas and recipes for sugar scrubs, moisturizing masks and bath bombs. Fill the tub with bubbles, lower the lights, turn on some soft music, grab a good book and let the rejuvenation begin. If you’d rather make it a social event, have some girlfriends over for mud-mask-making, or invite your beau to your personal spa and give one another a massage. To make the most of the relaxation, practice these breathing techniques, recommended by University of Michigan Health.
Don’t let holiday stress get you down. This year, try your best to balance activities that bring relaxation and joy into your life, even with all of the other traditions. And if you find that you’re having trouble managing your emotions or anxiety on your own, reach out to your primary care provider or to a mental health care professional and make an appointment to talk through the way you’re feeling. If you’re prioritizing your mental health, then you’ve already taken an important step toward getting the new year off to a good start.
