8+1 Tips to Help you Cope with Holiday Stress

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of US adults feel stressed during the holiday season, mainly due to financial concerns, missing loved ones and family conflict. Almost half (49%) say their stress levels are “moderate”, while 41% say they’re more stressed at this time of year than at other times. What’s more, 43% say that stress at this time of year gets in the way of their enjoyment, and 36% feel that the holidays are like a competition.

Stress can have a detrimental impact on our mental health and disrupt the natural flow of energy in our bodies. According to energy healing techniques such as yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, and Reiki healing it’s vital to encourage the free flow of energy to maintain health and wellbeing.

Practicing mindfulness, living in the present, caring for ourselves and others, and preparing in spirit will ensure that the holiday season remains joyful and stress-free. We are going to give you 8+1 tips to help you rediscover the true meaning of Advent: slow down, wait and prepare. Follow them and you will succeed.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking only about the needs of others. If you’re finding the holidays are taking more of a toll on you than the joy of the preparations and Christmas itself, it might be time to start some new habits. This could mean making one less meal or cake, or putting gift-centredness on the back burner. The idea is to set up a festive schedule and menu that doesn’t inconvenience or burden anyone.

The greatest gift you can give and receive is quality time together. And last but not least, it can take a lot of the pressure off you if you’re not the only one decorating the house, cooking, baking or buying presents.

Opening an Advent calendar is more important and meaningful when you are a child, but it also helps to keep the spirit of the season and your childhood self alive as an adult. Each day reminds you of the approach and meaning of the holiday and helps you to turn inwards and tune in.

You can give to charity all year round, but Christmas is a special time. It’s a time when everyone becomes a little more socially aware and the calls for charity multiply. Beyond financial donations, helping a fellow human or animal in need is a joy for the recipient, but it can also have many positive effects for you.

The festive season is full of events, gift-buying trips, and you may be spending more time with loved ones than ever before. While you may enjoy these activities, it’s important to keep your own needs in mind and find some time for yourself as part of your self-care routine. Do something every day that’s all about you!

It’s our negative emotions that cause the biggest imbalances in our life energy levels. Darwin wrote about this: we do not smile because we feel good, but smiling makes us feel good. Smiling is like cognitive behavioural therapy: it tells your brain that you are happy, and it works even when you force it, because a ‘fake smile’ also releases happiness hormones in your body.

As well as helping others, it is also important to look within. Write in a journal every day three things that went well that day and made you feel good. This method teaches us to be grateful, to be present in our lives and to make those happy moments more real and more our own. Later, when you may be going through a difficult time, it will be nice to read it again.

The lavish feasts and social events of the festive season often tempt us to overindulge in food and alcohol. Although the holiday season is all about sharing and enjoying, it is important to be mindful and moderate to avoid upset stomachs, hangovers and the guilt that comes with them. Slow down and focus on the taste, texture and smell of food and drink. This way, you will be satisfied with less.

During the holiday season, consciously managing your vital energy helps to avoid exhaustion and allows you to enjoy the holidays with a full heart. The Egely Wheel shows you how much vital energy you have at any given moment, helping you to recognise when you need to rest or do energy-boosting exercises. For example, if you see an increase in your life energy after a meditation or relaxation practice, it can strengthen your resolve to continue these good habits.

If you think of your energy levels as something you can control, you can take proactive steps to stay healthy even when you’re under pressure. This approach will help you cope with the stress of December and also set a positive tone for the New Year, with a focus on balance and awareness. Knowing how you manage your life energy with the EWR app will not only make your holidays happier, but your whole life better.