By Alana Gregg, MS
The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, filled with celebrations, family, and traditions. Yet, for many, this season can quickly turn overwhelming. Between the gift shopping, meal planning, travel arrangements, and the constant pressure to “do it all,” stress levels can rise. If you’ve ever found yourself buried under the pressure of holiday responsibilities, you’re not alone.
Here are 10 ways to find balance during the holidays:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest stressors during the holidays is the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. Whether it’s creating the perfect meal, giving the perfect gift, or making everything “Instagrammable,” trying to do it all can lead to burnout.
Instead of aiming for perfection, embrace the beauty of imperfection. Remember, the holidays are about connection, not about achieving unattainable standards. Be gentle with yourself and recognize that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan.
2. Simplify Your Holiday Plans
It’s easy to overcommit during the holiday season—whether it’s attending multiple parties, volunteering at several events, or fulfilling every family tradition. The more you pile onto your plate, the more stressed you will feel.
Take a step back and evaluate what’s truly important. Which events are most meaningful to you? What can be simplified or skipped entirely? Don’t be afraid to say no or scale down your plans. Simplifying your schedule can free up time and energy for what really matters.
3. Create a Holiday Budget
Money stress is a common source of holiday overwhelm. Between gifts, decorations, food, and travel, expenses can quickly add up, leaving you feeling anxious about your finances.
A great way to alleviate this stress is by setting a clear budget before you start spending. Plan ahead for gifts, meals, and other holiday-related expenses. Stick to your budget and consider creative, low-cost or meaningful gifts instead of splurging on expensive presents. Your bank account—and your peace of mind—will thank you.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
In the midst of shopping, planning, and hosting, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being. However, the holidays are not a time to sacrifice self-care.
Make time for rest, exercise, and activities that recharge you. Whether it’s taking a walk outside, reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or simply getting a good night’s sleep, self-care is crucial for maintaining your energy levels. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up fully for others.
5. Practice Mindful Living
Mindfulness can be a game-changer during the holiday season. Instead of rushing from one task to the next, try to stay present in each moment. When you’re cooking, savor the process. When you’re with family, truly connect and enjoy their company.
Mindfulness helps reduce stress by allowing you to focus on the here and now rather than worrying about what’s coming next. Plus, it allows you to appreciate the small, joyful moments that often get overshadowed by holiday chaos.
6. Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything on your own. Holiday stress often arises when we try to take on too much by ourselves. Whether it’s hosting a party, decorating the house, or cooking meals, ask for help.
Delegate tasks to family members or friends. Get your kids involved (even if they might not do as good of a job as you). Assign chores or ask others to bring dishes to share. Not only will this lighten your load, but it also encourages teamwork and fosters a sense of togetherness.
7. Let Go of Perfection
The pursuit of perfection can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead of aiming for flawless holiday moments, focus on creating memories. The holidays aren’t about everything looking perfect; they’re about feeling connected and enjoying the season.
Acknowledge that there may be moments of chaos or things that don’t go as planned—and that’s okay. Sometimes, the imperfect moments turn out to be the most memorable and meaningful.
8. Take Breaks and Say No When Needed
If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a break. It’s okay to step away from the busyness of the holidays to recharge. Take a moment to breathe, relax, or do a quiet activity that brings you joy.
Also, don’t be afraid to say no when necessary. It’s easy to overcommit, but learning to say no is a powerful way to protect your energy and prioritize your well-being.
9. Focus on Gratitude
One of the best ways to combat holiday stress is by practicing gratitude. When we focus on what we’re thankful for, it helps shift our perspective from what we don’t have or what’s going wrong to what’s going well.
Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, whether big or small. By shifting your focus to gratitude, you’ll cultivate a sense of contentment and joy amidst the holiday hustle.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. The holidays can be stressful, but they can also be full of joy. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect or do everything “right.” Embrace the messiness, the fun, and the moments of relaxation.
If you slip up or things don’t go as planned, forgive yourself and move forward. The holidays are about love, connection, and finding joy in the simple moments—and you deserve to enjoy the season just as much as anyone else.
Don’t Struggle through the Holidays
The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your mental health. If you need help dealing with anxiety or stress, our trained counselors can provide the support you need. At Lime Tree Counseling we offer anxiety therapy, trauma therapy, addiction therapy, and relationship counseling. We also have counselors that are trained in EMDR therapy. We offer in-person sessions at our Lower Gwynedd, PA office or online counseling in PA. Please contact us to schedule a session or set up a free 15 minute phone consultation.