4 Sources of Holiday Stress

There are numerous well-known sources of holiday stress – too much work, too many calories, too many guests, too many miles to travel, too little money. Identifying when you feel run down or overwhelmed, or even anxious is crucial for effective stress management. When you acknowledge or figure out what your stressors are, you can then take the necessary steps to reduce and avoid them.

Learn how to better manage holiday stressors with these six tips from Baptist Health.

6 Holiday Stressors & Tips For Managing Them

1. Skimping on sleep. Who can sleep when there’s so much to do? This mentality builds stress and prevents peak performance.

   Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night and keep a regular sleep schedule.

   Other sleep tips include:

   • Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
   • Getting plenty of exercise
   • Lowering the thermostat at night
   • Turning off the TV or holiday lights to encourage melatonin production

2. Missing meals. Skipping meals leads to low energy, which makes it harder to tackle your to-do list.

   Tip: Eat balanced meals including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Snack smart with items like fruit and cheese or oatmeal with nut butter.

3. Staying away from the sunshine. Cold weather can keep you indoors, but sunlight and fresh air are essential for mood and vitamin D.

   Tip: Take a quick walk around your neighborhood during daylight hours.

4. Feuding with your family. The holidays may require taking a break — not just from the chaos, but from people too.

   Tip: Set aside 15 minutes of alone time daily to clear your mind and find calm.

5. Financial concerns. Stress from overspending can increase your risk of health issues.

   Tip: Save throughout the year. Use gift exchanges instead of buying for everyone. Offer gifts of time or service, like babysitting for a friend.

6. Overindulging in holiday treats. Sugar overload can cause energy crashes and more cravings.

   Tip: Balance indulgences with fruits and veggies. Eat smaller meals more often and get at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity daily—even mall walking counts!

The holiday season can be stressful. There’s always so much to do and never enough time to do it all. By identifying your stressors and following these tips, you can take charge of managing your stress during the holidays.

Take Control of Stress

If you would like to learn more about stress management, reach out to a behavioral health provider at Baptist Health.