5 Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CelebrateWithCoffee #CollectiveBias

The holiday season can be a very stressful time in a person’s life. Growing up, I didn’t realize how much my parents sacrificed and went through during this time of the year. All I saw were the decorations, the movies, the presents and the joy of getting to visit family. But now, as a grown up, the holidays are a little bit different. Don’t get me wrong- this is still my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the Christmas lights and decorations, the holiday foods, and the memories that are made. But now those great things come with a price. I have to figure out how to balance my work life with my social life. I have to organize our time to see both mine and Isaac’s families, as well as make sure we spend time together as a couple too. We also have the financial burden of purchasing gifts, which is something I never really worried about before. And when all of those things start to slowly add up, my stress level rises.

So today, to help you (and me) cope with holiday stress, I have put together a list of things you can do to destress and enjoy these next few weeks… Because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Five ways to cope with holiday stress

1. Carve out some “me time” (pun intended ;) )
   When life gets chaotic, I’ve found that what I need more than anything is to just spend some time taking care of myself.  This could be something as simple as reading a book I’ve been wanting to finish, or sitting on my balcony drinking some coffee. I also love going on a run, or working out… I mean, who doesn’t love those endorphins? One of my favorite ways to spend some “me time” is painting. It’s so relaxing, and I get lost in my own little world. You better believe that I’ll be painting up a storm once my holiday breaks begin! 
   
2. Say “no”
   To be honest, I’m pretty good at this one. I am the biggest home-body, and would spend almost every evening in the comfort of my living room if I could. However, sometimes I pack our schedule so tight, that I end up neglecting things I have to do (I’m talking to you, laundry!). When that happens, my stress levels rise, I feel overwhelmed, and like I can never catch up. So sometimes it’s okay to say “no”, especially if it means saving you from some stress and tears later down the road. 
   
3. Go on an evening walk
   Even though the sun sets awfully early nowadays, I still love going on evening walks with Isaac and Lillie. I like to leave my phone in the car, and just enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. It’s a great way to unplug from the world, talk to my husband and forget about the worries and stress I may be dealing with. Going on a walk is the perfect way to unwind and relax!
   
4. Go tech free
   Ever since I got a smart phone, the thought of going tech free sounds crazy… And that’s how I know I just might be addicted to my phone. I have realized, though, that on the days I spend less time on my phone, I get way more accomplished. I also know that I feel more stressed when I’m not intentionally spending time with my husband, or when I am too caught up in my “online world”, which is why going tech free is something I have started to really push. I know my relationship with Isaac will benefit from it, and I’ll be able to enjoy the little moments more than ever! 
   
5. Relax with a hot cup of coffee
   Sometimes I like to set my alarm earlier than usual to slowly wake up, sit on the couch with a hot cup of coffee, and read my Bible or listen to music. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as the quiet moments in the morning before everyone else gets up and moving. And I can’t think of anything more cozy or comforting than snuggling up in my favorite blanket, and sipping on some freshly brewed coffee. Lately I’ve been loving my Folgers® Red Can Classic Roast. The smell brings back so many childhood memories of my dad drinking Folgers every day. When we visited the states, he would load up on coffee, and bring cans of it back to Chile. So now, every time I see that bright red can at the store, I can’t help but smile!
   I don’t always use creamer, but when I’m wanting something special or extra creamy, I love using some WhiteWave Simply Pure® creamer. I found the vanilla and caramel flavors at Target, and they are my new favorites! I also like adding a little cinnamon on top for the final touch- it’s simple, but it works. 
   
   
   

   

To help you relax this holiday season, I have a special offer for you! You can save 5% on Folgers Coffee with this Target Cartwheel offer, and you can also save on a variety of coffee creamers with this Target Cartwheel offer. Awesome, right? And if you’re looking for some extra coffee inspiration, you should check out these Target recipes. I can’t pick my favorite! Buuut if I had to, I’d definitely go with the chocolate donut mocha. Hello delicious! 

Now it’s your turn to talk! Answer one of these questions in the comments below:
What is your favorite way to destress during the holidays?
How do you like drinking your coffee?