7 Ways You Can Get Ahead of Holiday Stress

1 - Reconsider the start of your new year. 

Two years ago, I switched my new year start to March 1st. I did it to eliminate the pressure associated with traditional new year resolutions and all the other pressures that come along with the official new year. While others might be scrambling to make goals happen by January 1st, I've claimed to be one less person putting anxious vibes out into the world. 

| Also read: Simplify Your New Year Goals

2 - Be very selective about invitations. 

You don't have to say yes to every event. Only say yes to invites that you feel will energize you, or where you will be around people you actually like. You can always limit your time at an event and stick to your plan to leave when you feel you have reached a cap on your energy and what you want to put out in a social environment. 

3 - Pick one area of your home and organize it. 

This year, I chose my pantry. I was tired of wasting food and not catching expired dates before getting it out to the local food pantry.  If there is an area of your home that provides you a sanctuary you can begin there. 

4 - Simplify your work productivity.

Excellence is great but done is better. At this time of year, it can be a trigger for burnout. Create boundaries and protect your work focus by not allowing anyone to interfere with your committed work time. I highly recommend asking for help and holding others accountable to their end of the bargain on projects or tasks that have strong deadlines. 

| About burnout: Change Your Routine (Burnout Recovery)

5 - Experiment with working with a weekly budget.

You might not have had the best year financially or done well with managing your money but go ahead and begin now with a weekly budget or budget check-in. You might find that it's less stressful because you only concern yourself with what's due that week and what you can't do that week, you let it go. 

| Budget Tips: 5 Things I Do Every Month That Made Me Better at Budgeting

6 - Spend some time being creative or reflective.

Are you a reader, crafter, artist or maker? Do you journal or write? Add your creative or reflective time back into your life. You'll relearn how to relax or have made something you can be proud of.

| Read this: Prep Yourself For Creativity

7 - Limit your exposure to toxic topics on social media.

For the past 6 years, I overhauled my social media accounts and only followed or connected with people and other accounts that I'm inspired by. There are plenty of outlets that can give you the real news, it doesn't have to always be in every social media account you turn to for inspiration. 

| Also read: Change Your Relationship With Social Media

What are other ways you have adopted that help you alleviate stress during the holidays?