5 Ways To Avoid Stress This Holiday

​Many people will say that the holiday season is their favorite time of year, but also the most stressful. The long lines and crowds of shoppers, attending holiday parties, breaking your normal diet routine,  entertaining guests and spending money on gifts  on top of all the normal day to day stressors can be OVERWHELMING!

You know it is coming every year but you still feel the stress creeping in, so what do you do? Here are my top 5 tips to help manage holiday stress and enjoy the season.

1. Set A Spending Budget

Lets be real. Spending money over the holidays is unavoidable. However, how much money you spend is up to you. Setting a budget helps you be in control of your finances and staying within means without breaking the bank. Sometimes more is not always best so be creative and maybe there is an act of service you can provide rather than spending money on a gift.  After all you can put a price on kindness.

2. Make A Gift List

If shopping isn't your thing or if crowds make you anxious, this tip can really make a shift in the experience.  Once you have set your budget, make a list of all the people you need to buy gifts for. Then by each name write out what you plan on getting them that way you can first do any online shopping to avoid crowds but also writing it down helps you keep track of which gifts you need to get.

3. Don't Over Schedule

Saying no to holiday festivities is okay. Keeping on track with your normal weekly routine is a must so that your needs are being met. Don't feel obligated to go to that nutcracker show if you still need  to fit in your workout or your are too exhausted. Exhaustion can lead to you catching that flu everyone else has and that is definitely not the way to spend the holidays. 

4. Strategically Eat

Sticking to your normal diet can be tough during the holidays. Making adjustments to your diet around the holidays can be helpful in keeping on track with your goals. For example, if your family isn't vegan offer to make a few sides that you know are safe to eat. Other ideas may be making family events your cheat days or really paying attention to portion control and stopping when your full.

5. Take Time For Yourself

The holidays are supposed to be the giving season. In order to give you MUST take care of yourself. Sacrificing your self care routine in order to fit in one more holiday errand or event is how you will achieve feeling overwhelmed and being stretched too thin. Go to that workout, stick to your meditation practice, and BOOK YOUR MASSAGE so you can be the best version of yourself for the people you love this holiday.