You're Not (Home) Alone for the Holidays: Tips for Managing Stress
Twinkling lights, a glowing fire and carols floating through the speakers – it’s hard to imagine what could make such a peaceful time so stressful.
Except, maybe, a mounting list of presents, prolonged time with family you might typically only tolerate for the length of a meal and maybe even mounting feelings of inadequacy as you strive to throw the “perfect” party on a less-than-perfect budget.
Okay, so there’s plenty of stress to disrupt the peace. Spirit and SupportLinc have you covered.
Here’s a few tips to help you through the season
If you can, plan ahead and consider alternate gift options. Keep your list short and try to prioritize. Think of the most important people in your life and consider putting more thought and energy into their gifts. Sentimentality goes a long way in those cases – consider a framed photo or something more tailored to their interests. Show love and appreciation for everyone else on your list with something more affordable like baked goods. You can also save some money and gift your time – offering up free babysitting or a chores coupon.
Get creative when it comes to decorating. Overstocked decorations from big box stores like Target often end up at Goodwill. Check local thrift shops or, if you’re a really savvy planner, buy decorations when those January sales hit and save them for next year.
Write everything down, schedule every event and make time to rest. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a cohesive schedule with every family event can help ease stress and prioritize periods of downtime. As a bonus, schedule something “just for fun” after the holidays to combat the blues.
Consider volunteering! It’s well-known that serving others helps to keep things in perspective. There are lots of options in the community, from Christ Kitchen and Union Gospel Mission to events for our neighborhood or even here on campus.
Utilize your resources. If at any point you need someone to share the lift – whether it’s busyness, stress, or yes, even loneliness and grief – Gonzaga employees have a number of free resources from SupportLinc at their fingertips.