Tips to Help Manage Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time, when people are suddenly
forced to deal with pressures like changes to their routines, traveling
or playing host, relationship issues, financial concerns, the risk of
overindulging, or loneliness. The Crisis Centre has come up with some
tips to help adults and teens manage holiday stress.

For Adults:

  1. Make a budget and stick to it. It's easy to
    overspend during the holidays, so if you make a list and check it twice
    (like Santa) you'll have better control of your expenses. Consider
    home-baked goods as gifts - they can be more personal and cheaper than
    store-bought items or gift cards.
  2. Take time out for yourself and your immediate loved ones.
    It's important to take private time to relax as you're juggling the
    demands on your time from lots of people who want you to be in lots of
    different places.
  3. Set realistic expectations for the behaviour of others you may be spending time with. Ask yourself:
    "How realistic is it for ___ to have improved their behaviour during
    the other 364 days of the year?" If this person (whether they're a
    friend or a family member) is a particular way most of the year, you
    should expect that she or he will be the same when you spend time with
    them over the holidays. Plan accordingly.
  4. Be gentle with yourself if this is the first holiday season since one of your loved ones has died.
    Find support in other family members or friends who know the loss you
    have experienced and who can be there for you. If you are a person of
    faith, take comfort in your religion. It takes time to fill the
    emotional and physical emptiness caused by the death of a loved one;
    over time you will establish new ways of being with others you also
    care for.
  5. Try not to overindulge. Too much food can make you feel sick or increase weight.
    Too much alcohol can make you sick, cause accidents or get you into
    trouble, or leave embarrassing memories of your behaviour that your
    friends will remind you about for years to come. Drugs can create the
    same problems as alcohol. Remember to get enough sleep and exercise.
    These will help you stay healthy and reduce stress.

For Teens:

  1. Have an open mind and heart and treat yourself to the out-of-the-ordinary experiences of the season.
    Most of us feel more alive when we challenge ourselves to be a part of
    something unique. Spend more time with your family, relatives and
    neighbours than you normally would.
  2. Create a holiday wish list for yourself.
    Make a list of activities you want to make happen, people you want to
    spend time with and special things you want to do on your own. Work out
    a schedule with your parents to fit in what's important for you and for
    them.
  3. Indulge in the pleasure of giving to others at least once a day.
    Helping other people can help you feel good. Help your relatives or a
    neighbour, volunteer with a charity like a foodbank, or organize a food
    drive.
  4. Don't take it personally if other people are less patient, less attentive or less flexible.
    Remember that it's normal for people to be stressed during the
    holidays. Remind yourself that these behaviour changes are temporary
    and seasonal. Take a few slow, deep breaths, relax your body, try to
    keep a light heart and refuse to let anyone or anything ruin your
    holiday.
  5. Take care of your health. Try not
    to overindulge. Exercise for 30 minutes a day (including 15 minutes of
    good cardio), get eight hours of sleep every night, make sure to eat
    healthy food and make sure to laugh a lot, out loud.

Remember to take care of yourself and those around you. If you are
in crisis or if you are concerned about someone else, call the Crisis
Centre at 1 888 562 1214.

Modal Title

Any content could go in here.

×