In fact, by the time that we were ready to pack up, P.J. even looked different. His usually shiny coat of hair now appeared wiry and frazzled. His eyes looked weary, and he looked exhausted. 

It occurred to me that while the Holidays are a time to celebrate and reflect on our blessings and enjoy our families and our loved ones. It can also be a source of stress, but we all have choices. Will chose to be frantic, like P.J. or will we choose a different route?

Let’s explore some of the best ways to keep your holiday stress-free.

1. Set realistic expectations:

Setting realistic expectations can help keep your stress levels low - that's always a good thing! Mindfulness and taking the time to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable goals can help alleviate stress.

It's a great way to make those goals feel much more achievable and helps keep you on track. By doing this, you'll be able to stay focused on what needs to be done, one step at a time, and can prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by the task at hand.

2. Know Your Limits:

We all get overwhelmed sometimes, but it is essential to recognize when it's getting to be too much for you.  At that point you should take a break. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to take the day off.

You may just need to do something small, like going for a 10-minute walk or taking 5 minutes to meditate, can help clear your head and put things into perspective. This mindful approach will help you stay stress-free and manage your time better. Knowing your limits is essential to keeping your stress levels down. After all, nobody's superhuman!

Acknowledging our capabilities and pushing ourselves only to those limits will help us be more productive, ultimately reducing the stress we experience. In short, it's important to recognize the importance of knowing where our own boundaries lie and respecting them.

3. Prioritize Self-Care:

Take a few moments during the day to do something you enjoy that makes you feel relaxed. Whether you're reading, listening to music, or taking a walk, taking breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Taking time for yourself - even if it is just for a few minutes - can have a huge impact on how stress-free you feel.

Regular exercise is a great way to combat stress and give you the energy boost you need for your day. Whether it's a high-intensity full-body workout or a calming yoga session, getting your physical activity in can make all the difference in reducing stress and providing you with sustainable energy.

Exercise helps increase endorphins, which are hormones that help reduce stress levels and provide an overall feeling of well-being.

Meditation is a great way to relax and be in the present moment. Taking regular moments throughout the day for intentional or guided meditation can make all the difference in managing your stress levels. Keeping up with your hobbies and spending time with those you care about can also be beneficial for managing stress levels as it helps create a sense of balance in life.

4. Plan in Advance:

If you can, make plans in advance of the Christmas holiday. This will help reduce the stress of last-minute planning and uncertainty about what to do and when to do it. Whether you are planning a vacation, a family get-together, or a holiday dinner, being intentional about when you’re going to do things can make your life so much simple. 

Find time to plan and organize your trip's details well in advance so that you don't have to worry about them on the day you’re supposed to leave. Even if you’re traveling within the same city, having a plan and being organized will help minimize stress and confusion on the big day.

Similarly, if you are hosting a holiday dinner or gathering, spending some time beforehand planning the menu, prep work, and guest list will save you from last-minute stress and anxiety.
 

5. Don’t Overcommit Yourself: 

Stop and think about whether you really want to take on that extra task or volunteer opportunity. Being overly committed makes everything more stressful, whether at work, at home, or in your personal life.

Sometimes, we feel the need to say “yes” to every request that comes our way, even if we’re already busy with our regular routines. However, it’s important to remember that too much–especially when it’s unexpected–can make anyone feel overwhelmed.

Before you say “yes,” consider how doing something extra will impact you. Would it be okay if you did less or did something differently? If so, then maybe there’s a way to say no gracefully. 

By leveraging these tips, you can ensure that this holiday season will be filled with more joy and less stress. And you won’t find yourself feeling my stressed-out “grand pup”.