20 Tips to Help You Keep Your Sanity Through the Holidays

The holidays don’t have to look like a scene from a Hallmark movie. Embrace the imperfections and let go of the pressure to create a flawless experience. Be realistic and give yourself permission to enjoy the not-so-perfect holiday moments.

Between gifts, dinners, and decor, holiday expenses add up. Overspending is one of the biggest holiday stressors. Set a budget early on, and stick to it to avoid financial stress come January.

Give yourself a break from the “perfect gift” mentality. Instead of splurging on extravagant gifts, consider thoughtful alternatives like homemade gifts, donations in someone’s name, or even an experience, like a movie night together. Sometimes, presence beats presents.

You can't attend every single holiday party or event, buy every gift, or meet every expectation. In fact, trying to only leaves you stressed and exhausted. Politely declining some invites allows you to save your energy for those things that matter the most to you.

Whether it's asking family members to bring a dish to pass or enlisting help for holiday prep, you don’t have to do everything yourself! Ask for help with meal prep, shopping, or decorating. It’s amazing how much less stressful things feel when you’re not going it alone.

It’s easy to put self-care on the back burner, but during the holidays, it’s more important than ever. Set aside some time each day just for you, even if it's just 15 minutes. Go for a short walk, indulge in a festive treat, or devote some quiet time with a book. Recharging your battery helps ground you and helps you tackle the rest of the day.

Physical activity reduces stress, boosts mood, and gives you a burst of energy. Dance around the kitchen, take a brisk walk, or find a quick workout to break up the busyness.

The holidays are full of indulgent treats. Yes, enjoy the holiday cookies and treats, but try to balance them out with nutritious choices and a bit of movement. You’ll feel better and avoid the dreaded holiday food coma if you eat a little lighter before indulging. Your body and mind will thank you.

It's easy to feel the "holiday perfection" pressure on when scrolling on social media. Simply scrolling through your accounts quickly leads to comparison, which is a quick route to stress. Set scrolling boundaries, take a break, or even set time limits on your devices to help you stay present.

The holidays often mean extended family time, which can be both wonderful and challenging. If certain conversations or behaviors trigger stress, set gentle boundaries. It’s okay to change the subject, take a breather, leave the event or gathering, or decline to go altogether.

Yes, there’s a lot to do, but skimping on sleep will only make you more stressed. Lack of sleep makes everything feel more overwhelming. Give yourself permission to prioritize rest - it's amazing how much better everything looks after a good night's sleep. Aim for at least seven hours, and if that’s hard to achieve, take short naps or rest when you can.

The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on the good things in life. Focusing on what you’re grateful for helps shift your perspective in a positive direction. Keep a gratitude journal write down three things you appreciate each day or share what you're thankful for with loved ones. It’s a quick way to recenter and stay grounded.

Missed cards, late gifts, or a last-minute cancellation? It happens! Cut yourself some slack. It’s better to release things beyond your control than to carry guilt into the new year.

Embrace the chaos and find humor in the little things. Laughter is one of the best stress relievers and makes everything feel a little lighter. Have fun with the inevitable holiday quirks and mishaps.