Holiday Stress

During the holiday season, elevated levels of holiday stress are common. But that doesn't have to happen. The holiday season can present many unique pressures.

Bad weather prevails in much of the country, leading to difficulty while traveling, which increases holiday stress. Although minor in themselves, those annoyances can promote stress when they persist over time.

A person may feel pressure when they are expected to buy gifts for people, some of whom they may not like, due to expectations. This is even more true if you have little money to spare. City centers can increase stress due to the many people and cars present in a confined area.

These are all related to other common stressors. Difficult deadlines and resource constraints often accompany work responsibilities. Stress also comes from physical factors, such as health problems. Financial worries are at the top of many people's lists of stress inducers.

As all stress stems from the same underlying mechanism, despite the many inducers of stress, its treatment is somewhat standardized. Simultaneously holding the beliefs that "I must" and "I am not able to" is the root of most holiday stress. So, try to beat these two factors with all your might during the holidays.

You should ask yourself if each task is really a "must." Many households have a set system they follow, in which one person buys things for another and so on. Thus, each person only has to shop for one other person. If you have fewer obligations, your holiday stress level will decrease. The less money you have in your pocket to spend means less problems to worry about as well.

Now start working on the "I can't" mindset. Starting your holiday shopping earlier, and avoiding last-minute chores, such as decorating for a family get-together, are two holiday stress-reliving tips. But others can't get into the "holiday spirit" until the season is already upon them. For the latter, try to do some shopping online or going to farther out of the way places. You may take more time or have to look around a bit harder, but it's made up for by your feeling less stressed.

Planning ahead for holiday purchases, even if you don't do all of you’re shopping ahead of time, will help reduce holiday stress. If your holiday budget is small, you should start saving long before shopping season arrives. Being aware of your spending limits will alleviate the guilt often times associated with over spending or under-spending.

Gifts should be given freely, from a desire to do so, rather than from any perceived obligation. It can become a challenge if you have more to do during a time of year where it's difficult to get things done.

Placing yourself in impossible dilemmas leads to holiday stress. Ignore these situations, and be rid of stress this holiday season!