Navigate the Holiday Hustle with Ease: Tips to Tame Stress for Thanksgiving and Beyond

(KNSI) — Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season push you to the brink. With so much to plan and prepare for Thanksgiving and beyond, stress can overcome people hosting or traveling to see family.

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center’s Dr. Steven Loos says the most important thing is to manage expectations and remember it won’t be chock full of Norman Rockwell or Hallmark moments. “We can build these holidays up to be unachievable. So we say it’s got to be this, it’s got to be that. And we just can’t possibly live up to those expectations.”

This can often disappoint people when they’re caught up looking for that perfect gift, meal, or celebration. Instead, Dr. Loos recommends being in the moment and enjoying the time.

Hosts may also want to set some ground rules, such as no talking politics. “These are hot-button topics that we’re not going to convince family members we haven’t seen for a year to switch sides on the political aisle, so it just doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a fruitful conversation.”

People can also manage their time by being organized to ease their stress. Dr. Loos says to build in time for relaxation and enjoyment to the holiday season instead of being overscheduled with all the activities. It can be a quiet morning to yourself, and have a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, watch a favorite holiday show, or listen to Christmas music, and don’t be afraid to take a break.

If the holiday stress is too much, the CMMHC has a 24/7 mental health helpline at 320-253-5555.

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