4 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress

'Tis (almost) the season to be jolly. That's what the holiday-themed store windows and commercials are telling us. Despite all of the early bird hoopla, I prefer to ease myself into the holiday season. It's my personal tactic to mitigate and manage the stress often associated with this time of year. That and watching my parents and their phenomenal choir perform the Handel's Messiah Concert at Abyssinian Church in December.

If you're seeking more ideas on how to ease into this holiday season, read on for 4 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress!

• Recognize your holiday stress triggers: A stress trigger is a change or occurrence in your life that causes you to have either a negative physical response (e.g., headache, cold, or muscle ache) or emotional response (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, or distractedness). The challenge during the holidays is that stress triggers can be associated with our family and personal relationships, or our financial situation. What are your potential triggers? Is it an expected encounter with someone or perhaps another person's absence? Have concerns about creating your holiday shopping list or scheduling your holiday travel? Becoming aware is your first step -- knowing what are your holiday stress triggers helps you be proactive in how you respond.

• Be willing to let go of the past: Once you've identified your triggers, consider viewing them from a NEW, fresh perspective. If you're already dreading an encounter with someone, try on the possibility that the experience will NOT be negative. Can you let go of past offenses and resentments? Set an intention to approach the person with a positive outlook, and not allow their comments or behaviors to change your mood or stress level. If your concern is about holiday shopping or travel because of your financial situation, be honest with yourself and your family about what you can and cannot take on this year. Seek out fun, lower cost options (like family "grab bags" or "Secret Santas," potluck dinners, and layaway for significant items). Focus your attention on how great it will feel to spend time with those whom you love and enjoy. Infuse yourself with the true holiday spirit of loving and sharing!

• Tune in to your holiday self-talk: In addition to your favorite holiday song or commercial jingle you can't forget, there's also a running script of "self-talk." These are thoughts or messages you repeat silently to yourself, often about your financial situation, your personal abilities, and your chances of achieving your goals in the coming year. It's great when these messages are positive; they can be very empowering. Sometimes, though, negative messages pop up when you're stressed out or overwhelmed. You CAN coach yourself to flip the script to create a more positive outlook. The next time you notice a negative thought or message, tell yourself to STOP! Take a deep breath, think of a positive statement, and reflect on someone who inspires and supports you. Take it a step further by writing down the negative message; then cross it out, and write down as many positive ideas and statements that prove your negative thought about yourself or your abilities is NOT true or valid. Create more space in your mind for joy and fulfillment!

• Give yourself holiday ME-TIME: With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to to forget about our own needs. Build time into your holiday schedule just for you. Consider taking on a new physical activity you might enjoy like a winter sport (from snowboarding to ice skating!); or a new social activity like volunteering to help others who are in need during the season; sharpen your mental abilities with a new book or game; unplug from your various devices for a little while to relax and quiet your mind. Explore and discover all that the holiday season has to offer!

If you're interested in more tips to jumpstart your career during the holiday season, read my blog post on how to Shine at Your Professional Holiday Parties.

And, if you'd like to learn more about the potential long-term impact of stress on your life, read my post on 9 Early Warning Signs that Stress is Negatively Impacting Your Life.

Know that I'm rooting for your success, health and wellbeing. Here's wishing you the start of an abundant, joyful, magical holiday season!