4 Practices to Reduce Holiday Stress

"Remember what's important and forget the rest. Obviously, some emotions are hard to manage: The automatic startle when we see a snake in the grass is hard to control. But the majority of our daily emotions are the result of how we think about the world. In one study, researchers recorded people at the airport reporting lost luggage to an airline. Even though the objective event was the same, people responded in different ways, from anger to anxiety to good humor."

"The key finding was that how people were thinking about the situation determined how they felt and how they responded to the stress. During the holidays, it can be helpful to focus on what is most important and reduce focus on everything else. Hosting an enjoyable dinner with family and friends might be an important part of the holiday. Spend a few minutes thinking about the most critical elements-perhaps having great food."

Holidays involve travel, hosting or attending events, disrupted schedules, interactions with strangers and acquaintances, financial strain, and unrealistic expectations of constant fun. Identifying what matters most reduces stress by shifting attention away from less important details. Intentionally focusing on gratitude increases happiness and satisfaction. Making charitable attributions for others’ behavior helps move past negative interactions and reduces interpersonal tension. Spending time outdoors, even for a short walk, calms the body and improves focus. Practicing these quick habits before and during the holidays can reduce stress and increase enjoyment.

Read at Psychology Today