Posted on November 22, 2023 by Vargas Consulting and Wellness

Planning for the holidays can be exciting but stressful for many people. Here’s a few ways to reduce stress during the holiday season when hosting an event at your home.. 

Practice gratitude. Remember all of the things your are grateful for this holiday season such as spending time with family and friends. Being grateful that you have the ability to buy food, cook food aand spend time with others. Take time to remember others that are no longer here to celebrate this year. Be grateful for knowing these individuals and a way that your life was made better by knowing them. 

Don’t take on all the responsiblities yourself. This can cause you to be overwhelmed. Write a list of all foods, games, desserts, drinks that are needed. Ask your guests to participate and bring some of these items. Doing this can reduce your stress and help you learn to work and trust others. The earlier you plan and delegate responsibilities, the more you will be able to relax. 

Create a welcome environment. Making your home warm and cozy. Buy air fresheners or candles to encourage great smells. Set up simple, games for you and your family. 

Engage in healthy coping skills. Make a plan to use deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation each day. If you find that too difficult, start small, trying to engage in these activities once a week. The holidays are a time to try tasty meals and snacks. Sometimes these meals are not so healthy. If you are eating healthy most of the year and want to try something different during the holidays, do it and don’t feel guilty. Just make sure that after the holidays, your begin to practice healthy eating habits again. Exercise at least thirty minutes a day. Exercise can be taking your dog for a walk, gardening, lifting weights or going to the gym. Focus on moving your body. Exercise produces stress relieving hormones which can help get you through the holidays. 

Consider volunteering during the holidays. Adopt a family, dontate a toy or help feed the less fortunate in your community. This can help reduce loneliness and isolation. Check with your local community organizations or your church. 

Laugh with your friends and family, watch a funny movie or go to a comedy show.. Laughing increases the endorphins which can lower stress and improve mood. 

Sometimes at family functions, topics are discussed and peole disagree leading to conflict. Consider that this will happen and be prepared by making a a plan. This may involve not inviting someone or setting boundaries about items that will not be discussed at your family event. If your boundaries are not respected, remember this is your event and you can ask the person not willing to respect your boundaries to leave your home. 

Remember, there is no such thing as being perfect. Understand why you are hosting this event. Bringing people together with the goal of reducing loneliness is an amazing thing to do. Be proud of yourself and enjoy the holidays. If you have questions or would like to respond to this blog, feel free to email me at [email protected]. For additional information on self care and overall well-being, check at my website at Vargasconsultingandwellness.com .