Keeping Mornings Stress-Free: A Holiday Guide

Mornings can be difficult for many families; even if you’re one of those people who can get up and face the day with a smile on your face, it can be hard to get moving when you’re tired or have kids who depend on you to help them get ready. During the holidays, it can be even more stressful to get through a hectic morning, as you already have so much on your mind, from shopping lists to prepping for holiday parties. Many people also have more work to do during this time of year or have special deadlines that keep them working overtime to get it all done.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help the mornings go more smoothly. From creating a routine that will get you organized to making sure you get enough sleep, there are several ways you can start the day off right during the holidays. Think of how you can make some positive changes to your lifestyle to keep stress at bay.

Keep reading for some great tips from Psych Ed Workshops on how to get started.

Get Organized

Getting organized will help you stay on top of your responsibilities, even during the morning chaos. You might create a space near the door for everyone to keep their hats, gloves, coats, and backpacks so that getting into the car in the morning goes smoothly. Or, put together a station to wrap gifts that will hold your scissors, tape, ribbon, and gift wrap. This will help you feel put-together so you’re not hunting down the items you need. You can also organize your kitchen cupboards and arrange food according to how regularly you eat it.

You can also get organized at work; make sure your desk stays neat by creating storage solutions for all the tools you need, and set a goal to take care of your to-do list each day before heading home. This will help alleviate some stress after work hours.

Get Some Help

Because you already have so much to do in the mornings, it’s a good idea to get some help for certain tasks. For instance, you might consider hiring a dog walker to come over and take your pup for a walk early in the day. This will help free up your time for more pressing tasks and will give you peace of mind that your pet is well taken care of.

Create a Healthy Routine

Because the holidays can be so stressful, it’s important to create a healthy routine for yourself and for your family that will allow you to feel good both mentally and physically. This means making sure you get enough sleep, exercising daily, eating well-balanced meals, and taking time to relax and do something you enjoy. A good routine might include cooking a healthy dinner, going for a walk as a family or playing a game together, and getting to bed in time to enjoy at least eight hours of sleep (more for very young children).

Take Some Alone Time

Many people find that the majority of their holiday stress comes from the fact that so many people are depending on them. Whether it’s your immediate family or the friends who are looking to you to host a holiday party, it seems there are always responsibilities that only you can shoulder. It’s important, then, to set aside a little time for yourself. Even if it’s only a few minutes to sit with a cup of coffee or take a hot shower, those moments will help get you through a stressful day. This is especially important if you’re staying with relatives for the holiday, as it can be draining to be “on” all the time.

Keeping stress at bay during the holidays is often easier said than done, but it can be done. The key is to stay organized, as disorganization can lead to anxiety and a lack of motivation. Talk to your family to let them know how they can help, and remember to take care of yourself.

Psych Ed Workshops are professional development workshops for psychologists, counselors, social workers, and educators. Call 330.766.2492.