5 Tips to Manage Stress Before the Holidays Start

The stress of preparing for family gatherings, managing finances, or dealing with high expectations can quickly drain your holiday joy. Fortunately, you can take charge now by considering a preventive approach to managing holiday stress.

Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW, can help with stress-free telehealth visits for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions often fueled by stress.

Check out these five practical tips from Mitchel on managing stress now and throughout the upcoming holiday season.

1. Start early and plan ahead

Early preparation is critical to reducing holiday stress. Create a list of your priorities, including shopping, decorating, meal planning, travel arrangements, and traditions you’re unwilling to relinquish.

The sooner you start, the more time you have to spread out responsibilities and avoid the holiday scramble. For instance, purchase nonperishables for your holiday meal now rather than hitting the grocery store a few days before the feast.

2. Set a budget

Set a budget before you start shopping or planning holiday events, and stick with it.

You may find it helpful to let friends and family know you’re planning to scale back this year. Explain that you’re not skipping the celebration, just reducing the expense.

Try focusing on thoughtful gifts and explore creative, budget-friendly ways to celebrate. For instance, a group-sized car trip to a nearby light festival with hot chocolate in thermoses could replace an expensive holiday party.

3. Manage expectations

Set realistic goals for family gatherings, gift-giving, and holiday experiences. Let go of the need to create a "perfect" holiday, focusing instead on spending time with loved ones and creating meaningful memories.

For instance, your family doesn’t need to win the neighborhood cookie decorating contest, but you and the kids can have loads of fun designing your offerings. Even teens can enjoy contributing if you let them express their individuality.

4. Create your own traditions

Consider a new way of celebrating the holidays, especially if you’re struggling with loss or loneliness. For instance, volunteering at a local food pantry or other community outreach program can offer a satisfying holiday experience.

But rather than waiting for the holiday rush, start volunteering now to reduce loneliness and meet other like-minded individuals, potentially creating a new family-style holiday tradition.

5. Take care of you

Remember that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating tasks can ease stress and allow others to share the holiday spotlight.

If you’re hosting a holiday meal, ask guests to bring a dish or help with setup. And since you’re setting aside the need for perfection, your great aunt’s sweet potato casserole can happily share table space with your sister’s gourmet offering.

Continue or start activities that help you relax and recharge. Try meditating, reading, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.

Maintaining healthy sleep habits, a nutritious diet, and routine exercise are essential for mental and physical health before and during the busy holiday season.

It’s easy to overcommit to parties, family events, and social gatherings, which can lead to burnout. Instead, set healthy boundaries by giving yourself permission to focus on the activities you consider most important.

If you’ve tried reducing stress before without success or are interested in further details on stress management, schedule a virtual appointment today with Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW. Call the office in East Setauket, New York, or request a visit online.