Calm Amid Chaos: Coping Positively With Holiday Stress

The holidays are here, and while there is much to look forward to, there is also a lot of stress. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holidays. While the cause of our stress may vary, we must all do our best to avoid giving into chaos and create healthy pathways for stress management. This season, we've explored some of the most common sources of holiday stress and have crafted a guide to manage them. By coping positively with stress, you will enjoy the holidays more and allow yourself to be present throughout the holiday season! 

• Set Realistic Expectations: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American now works roughly 8.5 hours per day or 42.5 hours per week. That number does not include hours spent commuting or getting ready for the day ahead. That said, finding enough time to make space for the holidays can be challenging. Whether it's making time to go gift shopping, decorating your home, or celebrating with family and friends, we often come up empty-handed when it comes to time for ourselves. Frequently, we find ourselves sacrificing our needs to accommodate others' expectations. So, what are your expectations? What realistic expectations have you set for yourself this holiday season? Although it would be nice to win the lottery, quit your job, and live a life of total enjoyment, that isn't possible for most. Start by making a list of your needs and another list of what you wish to do this season. Now look at your calendar; how much time do you have? This season, think outside the box and see where you can move things around to make space for what matters most. Invoke boundaries and practice saying "no" to people and places that disrupt your holiday "me-time." If you have an hour for lunch, squeeze in some online shopping. Channel gratitude into what you can do while making space for what you want to do, and you will feel satisfied with where you are  — even if it isn't where you permanently wish to be. 
• Make Time For Movement: Did you know cardiac deaths are nearly 5% higher between Christmas and New Year's? Staying active this holiday season can help you cope with stress. Park farther away from stores while shopping to maximize the number of steps you can fit in! Choose to take a longer path from store to store while out shopping. And reimagine chores as a chance to move. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort, and cardio prepares our bodies to do so! Challenge yourself this season to pair activities that can free up space in your schedule. Try online shopping while on the treadmill or watch your favorite holiday movie while doing one of your tried and true workouts on your Frame Reformer. Keep a positive attitude for the ability to move as you reap the benefits of a healthier you! 
• Navigate Family Dynamics: Family gatherings provide great food, good conversation, and plenty of opportunities to discuss different opinions with relatives! However, being in a setting with family members we seldom see can be anxiety-producing. Questions we feel uncomfortable asking can be tossed around. The fear of being "put on the spot" can make us feel nervous and take us out of the present moment. If you are in this scenario, begin by reminding yourself that you can only control your reaction. Keep potentially upsetting topics off limits, and if something upsetting comes up, change the subject quickly and move the conversation along.
• Budget Accordingly: This year, 28% of holiday shoppers report experiencing financial strain as inflation puts consumers in a frugal mood. If you need help budgeting this season as you attempt to buy gifts for everyone, try some of the following strategies:

Speak openly about your financial goals and set a gift-giving limit. 
Regift any gently used or unopened items that you may have. 
Try thrifting and give something meaningful and vintage.

If you have to use a credit card, don't panic - 74% of consumers plan to use credit cards this holiday season while shopping. An additional 16% plan on using "buy now, pay later" payment plans. At Frame, we offer eligible customers the opportunity to purchase our reformers through Affirm and break down their total cost over time. Whatever you choose to do this season, remember that you have options, and do not allow yourself to feel overwhelmed. Planning, tracking, and budgeting into the new year will make you feel prepared to tackle any spending issues. 

Try implementing these strategies this season, and you will master positive behaviors and mindsets as you develop habits that will support a more balanced you in the new year!