Harris: How to prevent holiday stress: financial or health-wise 

By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach, Southern Bancorp

The holidays are here, and time is running out for shopping, cooking, entertaining, and completing that to-do list. Common holiday stressors include financial pressure, difficult family dynamics, lack of proper sleep or rest, over scheduling activities, and getting off track with your regular routine. 

This time of year can be stressful if you allow yourself to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Why not take a look at the suggestions below to help you cope with holiday stress? See which ones you can embrace to relax and enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

1. Plan & Prioritize

Learning how to create realistic schedules is a huge step toward reducing stress. Delegate tasks to lighten your load and avoid overdoing it during the holidays. Create a list of tasks that need to be completed, and distribute responsibilities as much as possible. Identify which tasks are priorities and which can wait. This includes monitoring what you spend on gifts, food, and other holiday expenses.

2. Stay Healthy

If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Make time to exercise, eat well, and get plenty of sleep. Exercise benefits both physical and mental health, and a lack of it can even contribute to financial stress. All of these factors affect how well you function during this time of year. Try to purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables, choose fresh foods over processed ones, and ensure you get enough rest to prevent unnecessary accidents in the kitchen or on the road.

3. Be Present

There’s nothing wrong with carving out time for yourself. If you’re not up to a task, delay it until you feel ready. Practice mindfulness and deep breathing – these exercises help you relax and find joy in hosting family or preparing meals. Enlist help so the workload doesn’t overwhelm you, and enjoy the bonus of spending quality time with the person assisting you.

4. Set Boundaries

Say no to over commitment and enjoy time on your own terms. What a thought! Saying no can create a sense of calm like never before. Don’t over commit, especially during the holidays – this is a major stress trigger. As suggested above, plan and prioritize your time, and set limits on what you can and will do. Your emotional health is just as important as your financial and physical health.

5. Manage Expectations

Learning to accept imperfections can go a long way toward reducing stress. Focus on gratitude – being able to spend time with family, having moments to relax, and staying within your holiday budget. The more control you maintain, the less stress will invade your life, allowing you to enjoy the holidays both financially and health-wise.

The holidays don’t have to be as stressful as we sometimes make them. Learning to enjoy your family, take good care of yourself, and manage your financial resources can significantly reduce stress. Please enjoy the holidays, and consider some of these suggestions for a stress-free, enjoyable season!

For more information on this and other financial topics, write to me at Post Office Box 1825, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614, or email me at charlestienharris77@gmail.com. 

Until next week – stay financially fit!

Charlestien Harris is our financial contributor, a retired financial coach with Southern Bancorp.