Amongst all the merriment, pretty lights, gift-giving and hot cocoa also come a lot of stressful times and anxious thoughts. Managing stress during this season is a great start to finding the joy of the holidays versus living in turmoil until the sun comes back.

Mindfulness and intentional living are imperative to not just surviving the holidays and darker days but also ending the year as your highest self.

Check out this holiday survival guide for managing stress and anxiety and starting the new year ready to tackle your new intentions and live the life of your dreams.

Recognizing Common Holiday Stress Triggers

While everyone’s situation is unique, there are some common holiday stressors to be aware of (whether for yourself or to keep an eye on for your friends and family).

Such as:

• Family gatherings and expectations
• Gift shopping and financial pressures
• Social media comparisons and FOMO
• Disrupted routines and self-care

But managing stress that’s personal to you requires you to become aware of what your holiday triggers are. Maybe these ones don’t apply to you, or some do. But make sure you know what causes your anxiety and stress.

Mindfulness Techniques for Managing Stress During the Holidays:

Mindfulness is a great way to start managing stress during the holidays (or any time, wink wink). In the Highest Self Academy, there are some great techniques that can support you with a variety of triggers. 

Mindfulness can help calm your nervous system, ground you, and help you think more clearly. There are some great mindfulness techniques for managing stress I recommend you try.

Try these techniques for managing stress during the holidays:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Body scan meditation
• Mindful walking or movement
• Loving-kindness meditation
• SWISH technique
• Anchoring
• EFT
• Hypnosis

Times are busy during the holidays, but these techniques don’t have to take a bunch of time. I would recommend setting aside time each day or every second day to incorporate a small technique into your practice. Whether you are experiencing stress and anxiety at that time or not.

If you practice the techniques when you’re calm, your body will remember and associate that technique with the calm state and will be more willing to see it as a viable option when you’re feeling dysregulated.

Make it manageable and do it consistently. Find a couple of minutes each day. This might just become your favourite part of the day!

Boundary Setting and Self-Care

Boundaries are important all the time, but during the holidays, they are extra important. This seems to be the time when everyone pushes boundaries, and if you don’t know what your boundaries are or aren’t prepared to reinforce them, you’ll find yourself triggered a lot more.

Managing stress means prioritizing self-care. You can try:

• Scheduling downtime and relaxation
• Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment
• Practicing gratitude and self-compassion
• Practice saying no
• Allow yourself slow moments throughout the day
• Don’t overbook yourself
• Have a fallback “I’m busy plan”
• Add your self-care into your calendar, and don’t cancel on yourself

Mindful Communication and Conflict Resolution for Managing Stress

Here’s the thing. If you’re stressed during this season, chances are other people are, too. That’s why mindful communication and supportive conflict resolution are key. When you approach conflict during this time with kindness and compassion, and you have empathy for other people (acknowledging that you might not know what others are going through), it’s way easier to work through. 

This also decreases the stress and anxiety that you feel. When you can work through conflicts quickly and effectively without leaving messiness on the table, you can close the book on it. There is no lingering resentment.

Not quick sure how to navigate potentially challenging conversations? Try these tips:

• Use active listening and be fully engaged
• Approach all situations with empathy and understanding (check the judgment at the door)
• Use “I” statements and assertive communication (don’t beat around the bush. Approach it head-on and seek a quick resolution)

As the holiday season unfolds, remember that managing stress is crucial for maintaining your well-being. By incorporating mindfulness techniques, prioritizing self-care and setting healthy boundaries, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the season. 

Embrace the joy and magic of the holidays, knowing you’ve taken proactive steps towards managing stress and cultivating inner peace.

Need some extra support this holiday season? 

Check out The Highest Self Academy for essential techniques for managing stress, supporting your well-being this holiday season, and starting the new year as your highest self.

Explore the Highest Self Academy now!