The holiday season is supposed to be the most beautiful time of the year. The holiday season is when homes, streets, and shops are decked out in holly and gorgeous lights. It helps in creating this very magical atmosphere.  While everywhere you turn is beautiful, this season tends to be very stressful. People are getting sick far easier, the flu is spreading around, schedules are packed, and there’s this pressure to spend a lot of money. You don’t want to be a Grinch this time of year; you want to be a cheery elf. But your schedule is complete, you don’t feel great, and you’re just getting so stressed all around due to your schedule. Thankfully there are some ways to lower your stress, so you don’t feel so tense!

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Commit to self-care
During this hectic time, we tend to neglect ourselves. This includes the significant aspects such as getting enough sleep or eating right, including the little things. It’s understandable, especially if there is so much pressure on you. You should not neglect your chronic uveitis treatments for your eyes, taking time to yourself, and even doing nothing at all if that’s what you want. Self-care has so many aspects, but it comes down to doing what you want for yourself that you know is best for yourself.

Identify your top priorities.
What’s something that should be a significant priority for you? Maybe it’s to look after your health this winter; perhaps you have a project to do, perhaps you’re just wanting to stay safe since 2021 is as crummy as 2020. You need to evaluate what your top priorities are and stick with them. There is no need to excuse or justify yourself. It’s so important to think of yourself and your health, safety, and general well-being.

Adjust your expectations
Don’t bother trying to live a picture-perfect life; honestly, that isn’t even possible. Sure, on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms tend to buzz with many happy seasonal images and cute captions. But don’t get it into your head that everyone is living the perfect life. The holidays are known for being tiring and stressful, and it’s completely normal to feel this way. Don’t let social media get to you because there is a very high chance that these people think exactly as you do.

Don’t worry about others may feel about you.
During the holiday season, there may be a lot of expectations from others. This could be the expectation to get them a gift, go to a party, have dinner, go shopping, or essentially anything else. You’re not obligated to say yes, and don’t feel bad for declining any invitations. The expectation and pressure to say yes to everything are some of the reasons why the holiday season can be so tricky. There is this primary pressure to say yes to everything, but you don’t have to. Just think of your well-being and think about what you want to prioritize.