Seven Ways to Manage Holiday Stress

Recently, we shared four reasons why pressing pause during the holidays matters. But let’s not forget the elephant in the room, stress! According to the American Psychological Association, roughly 89% of U.S. adults feel stress during the holidays. Factors include lack of time, family dynamics, financial demands, and unrealistic expectations.

For those working with children and teens, there is added pressure from special events, schedule changes, and increased responsibilities, which can make it easy to feel stretched thin and overwhelmed. So, taking time to care for your well-being and manage stress isn’t only beneficial; it’s essential.

Here are seven practical ways to manage stress during this busy season.

1. Keep Expectations Realistic

The holiday season can put pressure on you to create “magical moments” for the families you serve. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on connection. Kids and teens will remember how you made them feel more than the flawless details of an activity or event.

2. Keep Routines Simple

Children often struggle with unpredictability during stressful times. Therefore, try to keep routines simple, like having a consistent snack time, clearly communicated transitions, and regular check-ins, as these can provide stability and familiarity for you and them.

3. Don’t Ignore Your Emotions

You are most effective when you acknowledge your feelings honestly. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired, accept it without judgment. Try taking a few minutes for deep breathing, a quick walk, or sitting in a quiet place to gather your thoughts, which can help restore your energy.

4. Establish Boundaries

During this time of year, you will receive lots of additional requests, but that doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything. Know your limits early and communicate them often to protect your mental health. Establishing good boundaries helps you model emotional maturity and prevent burnout.

5. Rely on Your Team

You don’t have to manage everything alone. Learn to share your responsibilities, ask for help or support, and connect with your team members. Even brief moments of laughter, swapping ideas, venting, or commiserating can lighten the load.

6. Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Exhaustion and fatigue quickly increase stress. Choose restorative activities that you enjoy and fit your lifestyle. Focus on going to bed earlier, listening to calming music, turning off cell phone notifications at night, or making time for something you love. Small resets add up.

7. Remember Your Why

The holidays can be crazy, but they also offer an opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives. When stress grows, reconnect with your “why.” Your sense of purpose is at the heart of everything you do and can bring clarity and calm when you are busy.

Encouragement

Your presence is a gift to the children you serve, especially during the holiday season, which can feel overwhelming for them, too. Caring for yourself isn’t self-centered. It allows you to recharge and show up with compassion, patience, and joy.

You’re doing meaningful work. Make time to care for yourself this season.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of using secure mobile Express Check-In, children’s and youth check-in, and volunteer scheduling to help manage your events.

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Sources:

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress

Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash