Keep your spirits up (and stress down) over the festive season

Our top tips to help you keep stress levels down during the festive holidays

As wonderful, exciting and magical the holiday festive season is, this time of year can be busy, expensive and stressful for many people, for many reasons. These holidays are often the busiest and fast-paced time of the year which can cause stress, anxiety and burnout. And of course, this year, we have the added stressed of Covid-19!

Many factors including increased expenses, overcrowded shopping malls, busy schedules and lots of planning all play a part in festive season stress. For some, the holidays might even be a time of sadness due to missing lost loved ones or feeling alone.

Despite the pressures of the festive season, here are a few tips to get you through the holiday season with high holiday spirits! You deserve a festive seasons filled with love, happiness, peace and togetherness!

Shop online

Shop online if possible. This will help you avoid traffic, long queues and overcrowded shops, all of which contribute to stress and anxiety. Besides – it’s much safer to stay at home and avoid crowds! Shops are especially busy over the holidays as everyone is rushing to buy gifts and decorations and prepare for celebrations. The rise of online shopping makes this time of year much easier as you're able to order almost anything online, having your goods conveniently delivered to your doorstep!

Boost your ethical shopping by not only shopping online, but making sure to purchase local, eco-friendly products! Feelgood Health has a wide selection of planet-friendly gifts for people AND pets. Browse gifts for pets / browse gifts for people.

Set a budget

It's no secret that the festive season can be a huge financial strain. Buying gifts for loved ones, preparing lots of food for celebrations, going on family outings are all part of the holidays, and most people feel like they can't cope financially. Often, people end up digging into their savings or going into debt, just to keep afloat during this time of year.

If you want to avoid financial stress, rather be realistic and set a spending budget. You don't have to completely avoid spending during the festive season, however, it might be useful for you to sit down and decide what are necessary expenses and what are not.

Spread out your shopping

Shopping for gifts can be one of the most stressful tasks of the season. Many can say that they leave their gift shopping until the last minute, which leads to rushing around and panic buying. Try to spread out your shopping well before the last minute shopping rush kicks in, to avoid being overwhelmed and stressed in a short space of time. Start shopping at the beginning of December (or earlier) and buy for one or two people per week. 

Take time out for yourself

Amidst a busy schedule, it's important to take some time for yourself. People who have busy schedules are prone to burnouts. Rushing about and having endless to-do-lists can end in exhaustion, with little time to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health. In the midst of all your plans, it's easy to leave out the most important thing: self-care! Set aside alone time to read, exercise, relax, meditate and enjoy your hobbies.

Say 'no' where necessary

This holiday season, don't feel obligated to do what you don't want to do, or can't do. Know your limits and set boundaries - the holiday season is supposed to be a fun and stress-free time! If you're overcommitting yourself to plans and duties, you'll find yourself feeling drained and strained. Learn to say no. You will feel empowered and so much better!

Manage your anxiety/depression

Whether you suffer from chronic anxiety/depression or not, it's common for people to experience intensified anxiety and depression over the holidays. Before you reach the end of your tether, be sure to keep a bottle of PureCalm on hand to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. A few drops of this herbal remedy will help to calm you down and feel more in control.

Many people also feel sad and lonely over the festive season because they’ve lost loved ones or they may not have any money to spend. These feelings can intensify and lead to depression. Use a natural mood tonic such as MindSoothe or Sceletium Capsules to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety, and promote balanced mood and feelings.

It’s been a tough and challenging year for all of us and most people are looking forward to putting 2020 behind them! Be kind to yourself and others. Allow yourself to relax, wind down and enjoy the festive season and welcome the new year in, embracing all the lessons we have learnt in 2020!