The year-end holidays are an amazing time of the year, but they can also be quite overwhelming, can’t they?

WHAT IF we DECIDED to make the holidays stress-free – or at least as stress-free as possible?

Here are 7 ways to beat the anxiety brought on by the holidays, so your best self still shines through as you welcome in the New Year! 😍

Hack #1. Be Kind to Yourself

People, the weather, and other outside elements can be unpredictable.

Plans don’t usually turn out the way you want them to.

You may think that setbacks are horrible, but if you take your time to look around, it may be the reason that pulls you and your loved ones closer.

Don’t stress about every little thing.

Watch funny movies, tell jokes, and spend quality time together.

Keep it light with laughter and love.

And if you cannot be together physically, perhaps plan a video call to make sure you can toast together.

Hack #2. Treat Yourself to Something Nice

The holidays aren’t only about giving to others.

With all the gifts you need to buy and the parties you need to throw, it’s very easy to forget your own needs.

Your body can handle a lot AND you also need to make sure you’re not overwhelming yourself.

To care for others, you first need to care for yourself.

Go home early, read a book, schedule that well deserved bath time.

Do something special for yourself.

Hack #3. Organise a Gift Exchange

Groups of friends can avoid buying each and every single person in that circle a gift.

Instead, organise a Secret Santa party (live or just through the post). Not only is it amusing and imaginative, but it also doesn’t require everyone to spend too much on individual presents.

Gift exchanges get even more fun when you stick to a theme or a budget forcing everyone into squeezing their creative holiday juices.

As you’re sending your presents in, you can also think about a way to creatively pack your gifts and upcycle what you have.

Hack #4. Go for Moderation

During the holidays, feasts and treats are abundant.

Perhaps you’re receiving seasonal biscuits from family, friends and neighbours.

Perhaps you’re receiving a seasonal care package from your employer.

Perhaps you’re yourself creating and buying your own care package.

Perhaps you’re stress-eating. 😅

You’ll be tempted to sample many things! You see a big basket of cookies, and you may just want to gobble it all in one sitting.

Instead, start with one and drink a big glass of water. You’ll trick your stomach into thinking you’re full. You can always take another one later on.

And before you do so, ask yourself “What am I hungry for?”.

If that is indeed for that biscuit, go for it! Just in moderation! 🥰

Hack #5. Remember Your Exercise Routine

The holiday schedule is hectic, but there’s surely some room in there to keep up with your exercise routine.

You can always squeeze in a 10-minute walk (even if it’s around your home) or some squats (even if it’s at your desk). Think creatively about the types of activities you can fit into your schedule! 😉

Movement is what we’re aiming for! And it’s even better when you’re working muscles you’re not often using.

It’s understandable that you may lose track of your normal habits during this time of year.

The secret is to be mindful of your health particularly now during a season when temptations are offered left and right and when stress is heightened.

Hack #6. Make Time to Meditate

A good way to ward off holiday stress is putting aside a little time for meditation.

A little time means exactly that – however few minutes you have, you can use for a short (or longer) meditation.

It’s a simple technique that can help reduce your stress, anxiety and help you achieve a greater capacity for relaxation.

Look for a quiet place, sit, close your eyes and breathe your troubles out.

Hack #7. Relax, Reflect and Be Grateful

The promise of the New Year always fills our hearts with hope.

Take the time to reminisce about your experiences this past year.

Quietly reflect on all the things you’ve done and things you should’ve done but for whatever reason, didn’t.

Ask yourself:

• What have I learned this year?
• Did I accomplish anything?
• What were this year’s highs and lows?
• What can I leave behind this year to make sure I start the new year renewed and inspired?

And last but not least, congratulate yourself for getting through the past year and be grateful for the opportunity to face a new exciting chapter of your life.

As always, I love to hear from you!

If you’re finding this article helpful, I’d love to know.

Also, do you have any other hack to keep holiday stress at bay? Let me know in the comments!