Dealing With Stress

We are entering a period of the year that can be filled with fun, memories, and great joy. However, it can also be a difficult and stressful season for many people.

School demands increase, extracurricular activities become busier, holidays approach, and the changing seasons bring their own challenges. Some people look forward to this time of year, while others may feel overwhelmed, sad, disappointed, nostalgic, or stressed. Many people experience a combination of these emotions.

Here are five helpful strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance during busy seasons.

1. Have Good, Flexible, and Realistic Expectations

It is wonderful to aim high, whether that means earning excellent grades, excelling in activities, creating memorable holidays, or doing your best for loved ones. However, life does not always go according to plan.

Allow room for imperfections and unexpected challenges. A moment that does not go exactly as planned does not have to steal the joy from your day. In fact, some of life’s most memorable experiences come from situations we never expected.

Embrace imperfections, enjoy the present moment, and appreciate the people around you. If you find yourself spending time alone, use that opportunity to do something meaningful, relaxing, or uplifting.

2. People Always Matter More Than Things

It is easy to compare ourselves to others, especially when it comes to possessions, finances, gifts, or experiences. During busy seasons, these comparisons can become even more intense.

Remember that what people value most is feeling loved, appreciated, and connected. Those experiences often cost little or nothing. Consider focusing on quality time, acts of kindness, and opportunities to help others in your community.

Differences in personalities and beliefs can sometimes create tension among family members and friends. Choosing mutual respect and focusing on what truly matters can help strengthen relationships and reduce unnecessary conflict.

3. Keep It Simple, but Meaningful

If decorating, baking, shopping, and planning elaborate celebrations bring you joy, enjoy the experience. However, if keeping up with expectations creates unnecessary stress, it is perfectly acceptable to simplify.

Give yourself permission to scale back when needed. Family traditions do not have to be elaborate to be meaningful. Some of the most cherished traditions are simple moments spent together.

Focus on what works best for you and your family right now, rather than what worked in the past or what others may be doing.

4. Listen to Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

Pay attention to signs that stress may be building. Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, irritable, or drained can indicate that it is time to pause and reassess.

Sometimes a short break is enough to recharge. Other times, a plan may need adjustments or even a complete redesign. Be willing to adapt when necessary and respond to the messages your body and mind are sending.

5. Ask for Help

If you need support, ask for it. Family members, friends, coworkers, and community members are often more willing to help than we expect.

Reaching out is a sign of strength. You do not have to carry every burden on your own.

Helpful Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Stress, Depression and the Holidays (opens in a new tab)
• Verywell Mind: Understanding and Managing Holiday Stress (opens in a new tab)
• Cleveland Clinic: Dealing With Holiday Depression and Stress (opens in a new tab)
• American Psychological Association: Holiday Stress Resource Center (opens in a new tab)