How NOT to Get Stressed in the Holidays - Some Essential Tips

NOT getting stressed and enjoying the holiday season is not always as easy as it may sound.

Obviously, Christmas and the New Year are traditionally a time for parties and merriment.

However, this period can also bring with it some difficulties: such as dealing with family or relatives you do not normally see or, in the case of office parties, putting on a ‘brave face’ when mixing socially with colleagues you may not really get on with.

For introverts this can be even harder - especially if karaoke or other ‘stressful’ activities are involved.

In a recent Fast Company article, leadership expert Art Markman has some helpful advice on how NOT to get stressed in the holidays, including:

1. Make a plan for dealing with parties

If you are nervous about the office party - or attending any other events in the holiday period - it makes sense to have a plan. This could include telling yourself you are only going to the party for 20 minutes to start off with. This alone can take a lot of the pressure off. And if the party isn’t as bad as you first thought - you might even end up enjoying it and staying for longer. Of course, it helps to take it easy on the alcohol and, particularly if it is a work event, to be sociable

2. Take advantage of the quiet time at work

There is sometimes a small ‘window of opportunity’ just before the holiday period when things slow down a bit at work. This can also be a good time to catch up on some of those jobs you have been putting off for a while, such as attending a training program to develop new skills or even reading a new book to help your professional development. Of course, when the holidays are over everything goes back to normal again, but doing this beforehand is certainly likely to reduce stress and give you a better start to the New Year.

Unfortunately, feeling stressed and anxious can be quite common for some people in the holiday period.

One reason for this is they have more time to think about things, away from the routine of work.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to counteract and control these feelings - and psychology clinician Linda Walter outlines some of these in a recent Psychology Today article:

·      Keep a routine

Despite not working, you should always try to maintain a regular routine over the holiday period. This could involve going to the gym, taking an early morning walk, or attending meetings. It is also important to practise moderation and follow a healthy diet: despite the temptations of alcohol, chocolate, sweets and the other treats that usually accompany meals at holiday time

·      Nothing is perfect

Always be realistic at holiday time and never expect everything to be ‘perfect’.

No one has the ‘perfect’ family or the ‘perfect’ holiday - so don’t be disappointed if everything doesn’t go to plan - or some things don’t work out

·      Stay connected

Over the holiday period, try to spend time with friends and family - and stay as connected as possible. If family or friends do not live close by, make a phone call. This can be invaluable: whether as a ‘reality check’ or to ask for support, if needed.

Whatever happens in the holidays, you should always make some time to pamper yourself, and do what YOU want to do.

This may involve spending some time by yourself - or just treating yourself to something special.

Whatever you do, try to make the holidays a time of real joy, with as little stress as possible.