The holidays bring joy, celebrations, travel, and gatherings of friends and family. For many of us, the holidays are times of extreme stress. The holidays prove to be unhealthy for you physically or mentally. Here are a few tips to keep your stress low and your mind calm during the festive season. 

1. Stick to a Budget

We know that buying “the best” gift for everyone on your list is a goal. Try to take some pressure off your wallet by managing your spending. Set a limit for what you want to spend this year, and instead of just buying the first thing you like, decide what you are looking for. Or at least set a price limit for each person so you have a safeguard against overspending. Budgeting can help you avoid worries about bills that could be hard to handle. 

2. Stay Organized

The holidays are the “happiest” and busiest time of the year. If you’ve been invited to several parties or are expected to host, cook, clean, take the kids out, visit relatives, etc., this year, your feeling of “it’s all a little too much” is not unwarranted. Take time out of your busy schedule to write everything on a to-do list or a calendar so you can go about your purchasing, baking, and preparations in an organized fashion. Handle one activity at a time and check it off the list. Sounds simple? This technique is surprisingly effective for stress reduction.

3. Know When to Say “Thank You, But No.”

There is a time when it isn’t feasible to do everything at once. Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to decline an invitation and spend a quiet night on the couch. Of course, you can make all the commitments you want, but don’t feel obligated to say “yes” to every invitation. 

4. Go Easy on the Caffeine and Alcohol

When enjoyed in moderation, a hot cup of coffee to start the day or a glass of wine to unwind can be wonderful. During the holidays, drinking too much coffee can give you the jitters. Restrict the amount of coffee and alcoholic beverages you consume to manage your mood. These beverages inhibit your B vitamins, essential nutrients for brain and nervous system function. If you feel stressed, consider food and drink rich in B nutrients instead; B6 is involved in serotonin production, while B1 is vital for cognitive function. Severe B1 deficiency has been linked to irritability, poor memory, and confusion. 

5. Set Aside Time for Self-Care

Amid all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, schedule some “me time.” Ensure you get enough sleep, remember to drink water, eat healthily as much as possible, and get out to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and some physical activity. Ensure your health insurance policy works for you and schedule your yearly physical. Don’t let the holidays stop you from self-care.

6. Focus on the Positive

It is easy to have differences in opinion to spur conflict in families, but focusing on what we have in common is much more rewarding. By reinforcing the positive and concentrating on what we are grateful for in family and friends, everyone can make their time together more enjoyable.

Let Go of Stress This Season

While you are busy making sure everyone else has a good time, don’t forget that you deserve to be happy this season, too. Health insurance is one of the many ways to safeguard your peace of mind as we move forward into the new year. If you want to update your policy to ensure you are getting the most out of your coverage, please get in touch with one of our agents, who would be happy to discuss your options.