Managing holiday stress

The holiday period can be full of joy and jollification, but it can also lead to high levels of stress, family conflict, and social anxiety. Read on for our top tips on how to avoid a full-on Christmas meltdown and stay as calm and cool as your Bûche de Noël!

1. Make time for yourself 

Rule number one for all you exhausted parents out there – make time for yourself! It's easier said than done, but it’s very important to carve out a bit of alone time. Stop what you're doing, take a breath, have a nap, go for a run, or shut yourself in a cupboard and get snacking on those chocolate boxes.

2. Keep active 

Talking about chocolate.... and Gromperekichelcher, Grillwurscht, and Glühwein...  It's very easy to overindulge at this time of year, which in turn can create even more stress. Stay active by keeping up with your usual fitness regime, or intentionally incorporate some movement to keep you sane. It is scientifically proven that spending time in nature provides people with physical and mental benefits. Get those steps in and practise mindfulness by listening to the birds, observing your surroundings, and feeling your heart pumping.

3. Be realistic 

So you've been invited to a gazillion Christmas dinners, children's shows, office parties, and your family calendar is about to burst. Unless you get hold of Harry Potter's time-turner, it’s unlikely you're going to be able to be in three places at once. Don't be afraid to say yes to the things that really matter, and no to those that don't. Doing less things well is often better than doing it all poorly or without energy.

4. Manage your finances 

It is very easy to overspend at Christmas time. We all want our families to have the best Christmas ever, and very often we equate this to spending tons of money on gifts our children neither want nor need. So, set a budget and stick to it. It's not worth going into debt over a few presents. After all, most little ones just spend hours playing with the cardboard box the present came in.

5. Food shopping 

It’s Christmas, not the apocalypse. Do you really need eighteen packs of gourmet sausage rolls in the freezer? Consider making a meal plan so you don't end up buying things that cost a fortune and will end up in the bin. Plan to do your grocery shopping at a quiet time of day or book a delivery or collection to avoid the crowds. And in case it's probable you'll end up going overboard, clear up some space in the freezer ahead of time so food won't go to waste.

6. Maintaining a routine 

We admit it's very difficult (sometimes impossible) to maintain a sense of routine during the holidays, what with the late nights, celebrations, and travel plans. However, young children can get very disorientated with too much change. So try to maintain some aspect of your regular routine. For example, maybe you're staying over somewhere new for the holidays, but you always read to the kids before bedtime. Be sure to bring some books to continue that routine! Keep the continuity in the areas that are within your control, but don’t beat yourself up if things don't go to plan.

7. Travelling during the festive season 

We've all been there, sitting in a never-ending traffic jam, kids screaming in the back, spouse making helpful comments to the tune of "see, we should have gone the other way, I TOLD you so!" How can you ease the inevitable pain of Christmas travel? Make it an adventure and plan ahead! Start with snacks – plenty of snacks! Add to the mix some colouring, stickers, songs, audiobooks, the iPad (obviously)... but not only for the kids but for the adults too! If you're feeling calm, merry and bright, your children are more likely to stay chilled too.

8. Happy families? 

Some families get along like a house on fire. Others are constantly putting out fires. So how do you avoid getting into a political shouting match with Uncle Alan? Limit time spent with family if you need to. Try to maintain harmony by behaving with respect and consideration (yes, even when you're not necessarily getting it back). Take deep breaths and remember to pick your battles. Don't be afraid to leave the room, which is always a better option than saying something you might later regret. Set conversational boundaries for yourself and others. And suggest activities to spend time together while focusing on the task at hand rather than on letting the conversation run amok... If it's all too much, go for a walk. Or back to the choccies in the cupboard.