10 Tips To Stay Sane During The Holidays

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Today I have 10 tips to stay sane during the holiday season. Everything is rush, rush, rush, trying to find everything on everyone’s list. So how do you keep your cool instead of feeling overwhelmed?

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I stopped doing all the holiday hustle-bustle once my girls were grown. I said it was their turn to create traditions and memories for their own families. That I was retiring from holidays and told them I would no longer be attending holiday dinners.

It was my choice, and I’ve stuck to it. But they typically bring me leftovers later in the day, which I’m grateful for.

Make Lists to Stay On Task:

You know what needs to get done. It’s buzzing around in your head, waiting to be put on a to-do list. There are the get-togethers, the meal prep, the buying of presents.

And on and on it goes. But distractions you didn’t count on will always push you off schedule.

And that’s where lists come in. Making lists turns the tasks you’re trying to remember into things you can check off. Get one task done and draw through it to remind yourself it’s already been taken care of.

It’s a good idea to schedule breaks where you can relax and think about something else. Anything else.

Have a cup of coffee or tea and sit in your favorite spot. Watch nature outside your window. Go have lunch with a friend. Take a leisurely walk in a park. These things you do for yourself will help you stay sane during the holidays.

In fact, if you’re hosting the Christmas event this year, you might order more than one notebook and divide them into subjects to keep yourself organized. And most of all, to help you remain sane during the holidays.

Or you could put everything on your phone to help you organize yourself.

One notebook (or list on your phone) could be for recipes, ingredients to shop for, and when to start preparing food before the big meal. Another could be for gifts you need to buy. Get Christmas cards ready to send out. And so on.

Pace Yourself:

You can only get so much done in a day, no matter how fast you go. So don’t shop till you drop. Plan scheduled breaks where you sit down and relax.

It is absolutely necessary to take care of yourself to stay sane during the holidays.

Thumb through a magazine. Read a chapter from a book. Watch a Christmas movie.

Make Time For Your Loved Ones:

Yes, you’ll see them on the big day. But that’s when everyone’s there, and you won’t have much time to spend with each loved one. Especially relatives who have come to town just for the holiday and will be going back home.

Schedule lunches or date nights focused on just you and them. If a college friend comes to town, plan a few hours to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.

If you still have children at home, plan dates to spend time with each one separately. You might take them to lunch or out for ice cream.

Don’t Forget The Pets:

Your pets will pick up on your stress and may become nervous too. Sit down now and then and give your pets special attention. Reassure them that everything is okay, even though the house is hectic.

They might not know exactly what you’re saying. But they understand the love in your voice.

Research shows that petting a dog or cat lowers the stress hormone called cortisol. Social interaction between people and their pets increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.

You will need feel-good hormones to get you through the holiday season, so take advantage of these opportunities.

Know Your Spending Limit & Stick To It:

You’ll be tempted to buy expensive gifts that you can’t afford. So, if you tend to be impulsive, it might be better to order gifts online.

That way, you can track what you’ve purchased and stay within your spending limit. You can make another list.

Alcohol Isn’t The Answer:

A glass or two of wine won’t hurt. But don’t try to drown stress with more than you know is good for you.

Alcohol can relax you. But it can also induce anxiety and increase your stress level.

Alcohol is classified as a Central Nervous System Depressant, meaning that it slows down brain functioning and neural activity.

So keep an eye on your alcohol intake instead of continuing to pour more into your glass.

Be Realistic to Stay Sane During the Holidays:

They call it a holiday for a reason. So if you’re trying to do it all yourself, you’re not being realistic. Share the load.

Assign family members tasks they can help you with to make the holiday great and easier for everyone.

Eat, Sleep & Exercise:

Try to eat balanced meals. Get the right amount of sleep. Find time to exercise.

A walk by yourself may be all you need to unwind and clear your mind. Enjoy the sights and sounds around you, including birdsong. Being in nature is relaxing.

It helps to step back and schedule “me” time.

Prepare Make-Ahead Meals to Stay Sane During the Holidays:

At the end of the day during the holiday season, you’ll probably be exhausted.

Prepare casseroles and other healthy meals for your family, then put them in the fridge or freezer. That way, no one goes hungry. And you don’t have to figure out what to serve them at the last minute.

This is a good time to get the jars out and put together jar salads and meals. Prep once, and it’s done and ready to eat in the refrigerator.

Just Say No to Stay Sane During the Holidays:

Some people will probably try to burden you with more than you can handle. Saying “yes” to everyone is a habit that you might need to break.

When we’re children, the word “no” is typically frowned on by parents. But it’s okay to say no occasionally as an adult and try to keep your sanity intact through the holidays.

But knowing when to say “no” is actually a learned skill. Know your time limits and firmly say “no” when you need to. You don’t have to be the go-to person who takes on everything in order to lessen someone else’s load.

A book might help you. It is called “The Book of No: 365 Ways to Say it and Mean it―and Stop People-Pleasing Forever.”

If you take care of yourself during the holidays, everyone will be happier and less stressed. Holidays are meant for everyone to enjoy.

I enjoy the holidays by staying home with my pets and savoring my time alone. I let everyone else do their thing, and I do mine. Then everyone is happy.

Tips to Stay Sane During the Holidays:

• Accept imperfection: Celebrations do not need to look like a movie set; things will go off script, and that is okay.
• Sidestep touchy topics: Decide ahead of time how you will change the subject or politely step away if a conversation gets heated.
• Keep to a budget: Spend only what you can comfortably afford, or agree not to exchange presents

Protect Your Physical and Mental Energy

• Ground yourself with a reset: If you feel overwhelmed, breathe in for 4 counts, hold briefly, and exhale slowly for 6 counts.
• Maintain basic routines: Try to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat a balanced snack before heading to a party so you do not run on empty or sugar.
• Take personal time-outs: Step outside for a 10-minute walk, find a quiet room, or drive solo to the store when you need to recharge. Stepping away and getting your bearings doesn’t hurt.

Connect and Support Others

• Reach out: If you feel lonely or miss a loved one, schedule a low-key coffee date with a friend to share your feelings and work through them.
• Volunteer: Giving your time to a local shelter or food bank can lower stress and give you a sense of purpose. You might call Meals on Wheels to see if they need an extra driver during the holiday season.