Tips for Surviving the Holidays Stress-Free
Finals are over and winter break has begun. Though many people find the holiday season to be fun and festive, it can also be stressful. Find some tips below to make the season more enjoyable.
- Though the break between the semesters can be exciting because there’s no more finals or homework, you’re not alone if you feel bored, lonely or anxious. Some students find this break stressful because they no longer have the structure of the academic day and they miss their friends, faculty and other social supports at school. If you start to feel lonely or bored, try filling your day with volunteer work. By giving back you can brighten up your mood and bring holiday cheer to others.
- You may be looking forward to sleeping in now that you no longer have that 9:00 a.m. class, but by sleeping in too much you can distrupt your body clock and make it more difficult to transition back to the class schedule next semester. Instead, try to continue waking up at the same time throughout your break.
- The holidays often mean more time with your family. Not everyone enjoys spending so much time with their family and if you find the additional hours with your family is stressful, be sure to take sometime for yourself or make plans with your friends.
-
As the seasons change, so do your family and friends. Each holiday season can be different and it’s important to have realistic expectations. You may not be able to do every tradition this season, but maybe you can create a new tradition instead.
-
Set a budget that you can afford and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to buy the perfect gift for someone special, no matter the cost. Remember, it’s not the gift that matters, it’s the thought that counts and many times handmade gifts from the heart mean much more than the newest gadget in stores.
- Make all of your shopping easier by creating a schedule and a list. Try to do all of your shopping in one day to limit impulse purchases.
