The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for the gathering of loves ones, breaking bread, and reflecting on the year as a whole. Undoubtedly, it can also be the most stressful time of the year. According to AAA, this Thanksgiving is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons on record. Coupled with rising inflation and gas hikes, stress is at an all time high these days. In preparation of Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for combating holiday- related stress.
1. Stretch your funds
As stated, inflation continues to rise, hitting pockets pretty hard. In addition, we’ve coined a new term known as shrinkflation. According to CNBC, shrinkflation occurs when products shrink in weight, size, and quantity while the price remains the same or increases. Spotting these changes can be quite tricky but reading packaging and properly examining products is important to ensure you’re getting the most for your money. It may also be more reasonable to buy certain products in bulk versus purchasing single or lesser quantities.
2. Manage Your Time Well
Playing the host comes with a big set of tasks. There’s making sure your home is tidy, picking up loved ones from the airport, and not to mention preparing the dinner itself. How does one stay on top of it all? Well, just like Rome wasn’t built in one day, dinner doesn’t have to be either. Determining which of your menu items can be prepared up to a day in advance can save you time in the long run.
3. Take a Break
With so much to do during the holidays, the thought of actually taking a break can seem unrealistic; however, it’s still necessary to give your body (and mind) some much needed rest.
4. Have empathy towards others
The holiday season can be difficult, especially when you’ve lost a loved one. Many people experience depression during this time. Remember that it can be a sensitive time for some. Reach out to those who have experienced a loss and let them know you’re thinking of them.
What are some ways that you manage holiday-related stress?