The holidays can be an exciting and fun time for all of us. However, this is also many families' most expensive season of the year. There are also pressures to keep up with the Joneses or to give more than you have to make others happy. It’s easy to get caught up in all of these messages about being happy that it’s easy for your own needs to go unmet.
We are all aware of the high costs associated with the holidays. This is when we need to be especially careful about our finances and ensure that we are not spending more than we can afford.
The mental challenges often arise from the stress of trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, not to mention cleaning up your house and hosting a holiday party.
The physical challenges can come from cooking all those dishes, shopping for gifts, and wrapping them all in time for the holiday morning.
The financial challenges may be the most difficult because they can be sudden and unexpected. The holidays are one of the most expensive times of the year, with many expenses coming out of nowhere.
However, here are some simple tips on how you can survive the holidays mentally, physically, and financially:
- Keep your routine the same daily or as often as possible.
Keeping a routine is one of the most effective ways to fight depression and anxiety. A routine can be anything from going to bed and waking up simultaneously, eating three square meals a day, and exercising daily. Creating a daily routine helps you feel more in control of your life.
- Set realistic expectations for the holidays.
This includes what you will do and what you won't do. It's essential to know your limits and not feel guilty about them.
- Mental health is vital at all times of the year.
But it's essential during the holidays when you're more likely to feel stressed or depressed due to all the pressure from family members wanting us to spend money or just plain out being around people who are rude or judgmental about your beliefs or choices in life.
- Plan your holiday budget so that you do not overspend.
It is essential to plan your budget so that you can avoid overspending. Consider how much you have to spend and what your needs are before you go shopping. Stay in control of your spending, and don't purchase things you don't need just because they are on sale.
- Make your gifts, so you do not have to buy expensive presents for everyone.
With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are thinking about how to gift their loved ones adequately. One alternative is to make your gifts. This can be a personal and thoughtful way of showing someone you care, and saving money.
- Avoid buying anything online if possible, as this will save money on shipping fees, or always strive to get free shipping.
Buying things online is great, but it can get pricey if you don't know the tricks. The first thing to consider is whether or not they offer free shipping. If they do, then no problem! If not, see if you can buy an item from a retailer offering free shipping with a minimum purchase amount.
- Get organized: Organize your finances by creating a budget and sticking to it.
Sticking to a budget can feel like a lot of work, but it is one of the best ways to save money and track your spending. You will be able to see where your money is going and what you can do to save more. Create a budget using a template from any online software or app you can access. Try looking for templates on sites like Mint.com, Quicken, or some other free software budget program.
- Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Think about how things could go wrong this holiday season so you’re prepared if they happen.
- Give back.
Volunteer during this time of year or donate to charity in someone else's name as a gift. The holidays are a time to give back to the community. Whether you volunteer or donate to charity in someone else's name, there are plenty of ways to give back.
- It is essential to take care of your mental health during the holiday season.
This doesn't mean you need to spend all day in bed; it means that you are aware of your feelings and triggers. It is also essential to ensure that you take care of your physical health. Take some time for yourself, exercise, eat healthy food, and drink plenty of water.
-Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the holiday season by making lists of tasks you need to do in advance.
The holiday season is a hectic time for everyone. Between parties, gift shopping, and cooking, there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Even if you're not hosting any parties or cooking a holiday dinner, chances are you'll still need to buy gifts for someone who is. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget about the little things that make for a great
-If you're not up to cooking or baking this year, order takeout or buy readymade items from your grocery store.
Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, this time of year can be a bit too much for some people. Between the cooking, the cleaning, and all the other activities that are going on, it's understandable if you're feeling a little burnt out. That's why it might be worth considering ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant or buying readymade items from your grocery store. This will help you prevent feeling burnt out.
-If you're hosting a party at your house this year, offer guests an alternate transportation option, so they don't drink and drive home after they leave your house.
This will ensure they can get home safely.
-Take care of your mental health by scheduling time for yourself every day to relax without distractions.
Taking care of your mental health and finding time for yourself every day is essential. Whether it be a morning meditation, an evening walk, or even a five-minute breather to disconnect from the world, you need to schedule time for yourself every day.
- Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid headaches or rundowns. Drinking water is essential for your overall health and well-being. Drinking water throughout the day is beneficial, but remember to drink before feeling thirsty.
- Spend time with friends and family to avoid feelings of loneliness or isolation during the holiday season.
Finding the time to spend with friends and family during the holiday can be challenging. Spending time together can help ward off feelings of loneliness or isolation. If you are out of town, try to connect with people via social media or video chat. Make an effort to see your loved ones on the holidays, and make sure you don't over-schedule so that you have time for everyone on your list.
- Create your holiday traditions.
People often rely on holiday traditions that were created by family members and passed down through generations. To honor those people, take the time to pass your holiday traditions down to the new generation.
- Get enough sleep.
Get a good amount of rest every night to ensure you're not tired during the day.
Sleep is essential to life. A person typically spends six out of sixteen hours asleep throughout the day. Whether you are working or not, you should try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
- Stay active.
Even if it's just for a few minutes each day, try to do something physical like going on walks or doing some yoga stretches to keep your body healthy and your mind clear.
- Eat right.
Eating well will help you feel better and more energized during the holidays! Avoid processed foods as much as possible and choose whole foods high in fiber and nutrients.
- Take time off from work, if possible, during the holidays.
This will help you get re-energized and revitalized. The holidays are a time for all to rejoice, but it is also a time for families to get together. With so many people around, you'll quickly get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, and before you know it, the new year will have arrived. If you want to recharge your batteries after this excitement, take some time off from work during this holiday season.
- Don’t feel obligated to have to go out for New Year’s eve.
Too often, New Year’s Eve is made out to be a mandatory event. It’s not. You can spend the evening doing whatever you want. Think about how much fun you can have making dinner for a group of friends, watching your favorite movie, or spending time at a friend’s house.
- Take breaks from social media and technology.
Social media and emerging technologies are becoming increasingly important parts of our lives. The average person spends around two hours a day on social media, which negatively correlates with mental health. So, take some time away from Instagram and the news app on your phone.
- Make a list of people you need to call or email this season.
With all of the holiday season festivities, it can be hard to remember to call or email everyone you need. To make this task easier, make a list of people you need to contact and then send them individual emails or phone calls.
- Get out of your house and do things that make you happy.
The best way to feel better is to get out of your house and do things you enjoy. Whether playing a sport, reading a book, or traveling—anything will help relieve the stress of daily life.
- Leave the New Year’s Resolutions from last year in the past, where they belong. And forget about making such resolutions altogether.
New Year’s resolutions are a difficult thing to get through. You will be tempted to abandon your goal before you even reach the end of the first week. By making achievable resolutions, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and allow yourself to achieve success.
There’s no doubt that the holidays are an exciting time of year for many people, but they can also be stressful. This is especially true for those who have had a tough year. The holidays can be a time of great joy, but they can also bring up feelings of loneliness, stress, and sadness.
