As we approach the holiday season and the end of 2025, many find themselves in a higher state of stress. These emotions can be influenced by so many factors and vary by individual. Causes may include finishing end-of-year projects (work or personal), navigating financial burdens, dealing with family members during the holidays, preparing for the holidays in general, attending extra work/school events, and the list goes on.
I’m suggesting a few hacks for managing stress, so you can enjoy this time of year rather than hate it. Some suggestions will seem simple, while others may be a little out of the reader’s comfort zone. I invite you to take a couple of ideas that seem doable to you and try them. Remember that stress never goes away completely. It’s always going to be there, unfortunately. The key is learning to manage it better instead of letting it control us. I am not a therapist or counselor I am just sharing techniques that have helped me when stress levels get out of control.
1. Take a Breath
We take breathing for granted. On a daily basis, the average healthy person breathes 12-18 times per minute, without giving it a second thought. Everyone has experienced at one time or another their respiratory rate and heart rate increasing when they are agitated, angry, or stressed about something. Likewise, when you are calm and relaxed, those rates lower. By leaning into deep, intentional breathing, we may find peace and relief. There are so many breathing techniques that could span an entire article, but I’m suggesting one of my favorites:
The Long Exhale:
Find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted for 1-5 minutes (this takes practice, so give yourself grace; start with 1 minute)
Inhale for 4-8 counts
Exhale for 8-12 counts
Do not try to extend your inhale/exhale longer than what feels comfortable. If you are struggling with extending that exhale, back off the counts of each. The point is, when you extend that exhale for a longer duration, you can shift your internal state to a more relaxed and calm state.
2. Prepare or Beware
We know preparation for anything is effective; however, the pull of procrastination can be very intense. Take a hard look when your stress is triggered. Could any of it be stemming from a lack of preparation? For example, are you finding your mornings overwhelming getting ready for work, getting kids ready for school, and making sure you/they have what is needed for the day?
Some people are amazing at getting up earlier to have everything ready to go in the morning. However, many are scrambling at the last minute to get out the door. Figure out which type of person you are. I know people who love to get up before the crack of dawn and take care of all those daily tasks first thing in the morning.
If you are not that person, taking 15-20 minutes on Sunday afternoon or evening to prepare for the week ahead is so helpful. Lack of preparation is a huge contributor to stress levels. Start with a manageable routine or just a couple of routine tasks you could do ahead that will help you. Start small and build. Too many times, we add too much, too quickly, and we defeat the purpose of what we were trying to accomplish: alleviate stress. (Women, I am talking to you!)
3. Let Live
There are many aspects of our lives we have absolutely no control over. We cannot control other’s thoughts, emotions, words, beliefs, and actions. Whether they are friends, family, co-workers, or customers, we cannot control what they say or do.
We can only control our reaction. We can choose to let others make our stress skyrocket, or we can choose to let live. This is much easier said than done. But when I look back at the stress other people’s words or actions caused me, and the toll it took on me, I realized way too late, it was absolutely NOT worth it.
Empathy is certainly an admirable trait but can also be to a person’s detriment. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes to have a better understanding of a situation is absolutely essential. However, letting empathy control you to a point that you are suffering is not the goal. Deciding to let go of the idea that you are going to change someone’s beliefs is very liberating. Work on yourself instead.
4. Lean into Nature
Last month, I wrote about being a tree. For me, nothing relieves stress, helps you reflect or gather your thoughts, or is rejuvenating like talking a walk. Preferably, I like to go out in the woods or on a trail so I can feel the breeze, smell the outdoors, see the trees, and hear the birds.
If you have the luxury of living out in the country a bit, you might be able to just take a trek through your property. If not, find a park or trail. Realistically, most of us can’t get out in nature each day due to obligations, but when we are feeling overwhelmed, a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or just sitting in the woods, can really bring us to a more relaxed state. Do not underestimate the power of nature. In addition, the physical activity itself relieves stress.
5. Get Some Zzzzzzz’s
There is so much buzz about sleep quality lately. I have been one of those lucky individuals who can sleep. I have family members and friends who are plagued by not being able to fall or stay asleep.
The latest research on health and longevity lists sleep as a large contributor to better health and a longer life. Stress can certainly play an enormous role in our sleep. Many cannot shut off intrusive thoughts, and those keep us up at night. A few suggestions to help improve your sleep are:
-Limit caffeine. Stopping consumption 10 or more hours before bedtime is extremely helpful for good sleep. If you rely on caffeine to gain all your energy, there might be something else going on.
-Turn off your electronic devices one hour before bedtime. I am horrible at this, I will admit. This is so hard, but so worth it for a better night’s sleep. It is not just the light from the device, but the anxiety and emotions that can surface by scrolling on your phone.
-No late-night eating. I did not used to believe this because so much of my career dictated eating dinner at a late hour. Of course, when I was younger, I stayed up later. General rule is stopping consumption about 2-3 hours before bedtime. We all metabolize differently, and many suffer with acid reflux, heart burn, etc.
-Take deep breaths – Really, what matters is you are trying to connect to your breath. Give yourself grace. You did your best today. Tomorrow is another day, and it will be waiting for you. For now, give your brain the reset it deserves.
As the holidays approach, I hope these little hacks will help you enjoy the moment as the year comes to a close.
