Why Do We Get Stressed Out During The Holidays?

Why do we get stressed out during the holidays? I’m sure you know that this is a time of family, friends, good cheer, giving, being happy and filled with wonder! So why is it so many people feel overstressed and overwhelmed? And how do we overcome holiday stress?

I brainstormed a list (and I am sure there are so many more things that can be added to it, as to what things add to our stress levels. And I also set out on a quest to find out how to overcome holiday stress.

What Stresses People Out During The Holidays?

NOTE: Not all of these have to do with the holidays, but they add to the overwhelm.

Buying Gifts
Donating
End of the year bills
Money for Presents
Credit Card Bills – Whether to put Christmas on the credit card
Property Taxes
Attending Holiday Performances & Events by Kids
Family Gatherings
Shopping
Christmas Cards
Food Prep, Baking, Treats, Cookies
Parties & Events
Trips & Travel
Wrapping Presents
Gaining Weight
Work Stress
Short Temper
Traffic
Weather
Overeating
Insomnia
Perfectionism
Decorating
Crowds and lines
Cleaning
Knowing what to get people
Shopping for food
How much to spend on other people
Wondering if the kids/adults will be happy with their presents
Hosting Events/Dinners/Parties
Family politics
Managing how to visit everyone I need to
What food to prepare
Where to spend Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Hearing constant Christmas music
Someone drinking too much
Home repairs/upgrades
Having to work during the holidays
Other people being too happy & jolly

With all of those things, holiday stress can certainly build! I mean, we all strive to have a happy and healthy holiday, right? Here are a few ideas and tips that might help if you are in need of overcoming holiday stress.

Overcoming Holiday Stress

Exercise – Working out 4-6 times per week. Want ideas? Fill out the form below and I will help you brainstorm a plan! Or visit here to access over 700 workout options!
Yoga – This form of exercise can do the mind and the body right! Check out the 3 Week Yoga Retreat as a simple, straight-forward option.
Meditation – Do your own, or follow some guided meditations using apps like Headspace, Calm, Breethe, or even some free ones on YouTube from The Honest Guys.

Tips To Overcome Stress During The Holidays

I recorded this podcast with a few ideas that me and my family have done to ease the pressures and tensions during the holidays. I also asked my Facebook and Instagram followers for their input! Enjoy!