Dealing with holiday stress can be awful! Today I'm sharing simple ways to conquer the holiday with grace, style and a smile.
Thank you to Mirum Shopper for sponsoring this post on combating holiday stress. As always all opinions are my own and I only write about products I believe in. Thank you for allowing me to share posts like this that allow me to publish Running in a Skirt!
Hi everyone!
I love the holidays, but I'm the first to admit they can stress me out. Dealing with holiday stress can even give me pretty bad anxiety. Between the shopping, cards, gift wrapping and parties I don't always handle all the "extras" this season brings well. I want to just relax and have fun, but my Type-A-ness sometimes takes over and keeps me from living in the moment.
This year I want to really embrace the holidays and not just DO ALL THE THINGS. I actually want to enjoy the things... even if it just means I'm only doing some of the things. I put together a little list of ways I'll be dealing with holiday stress. Hopefully they will help you too, because I know I'm not the only one who feels the stress this time of year.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"]Don't let the holidays stress you out! Here are 7 Ways to Actually Enjoy the Season. #stress Share on X
Dealing with Holiday Stress
Shop Now
One of the biggest holiday stressors is holiday shopping. If you haven't already started, make a list and a budget and get going. I used to really enjoy going out to the mall to shop for Christmas, but now I find ordering gifts online to be a big time saver and stress reliever.
Check off a few gifts a night until your list is done. Bonus points if you can mail them directly to the recipient. Go this weekend to finish any loose ends that you actually need to go to the store for. Don't forget cards, gift wrap and ribbon.
Wrap it all and put it under the tree. It's more work early on, but you'll feel so much better than waiting until the last minute. If you stick to the budget, you'll have less financial reasons to worry after the holidays.
Say No
This is a big one for me, but say NO this holiday season. Decide on a few events to go to and decline the rest. The holidays don't have to be about running around like crazy.
Plan to use January and February as time to continue to connect with friends. You don't have to do everything now. They will be there later.
Be Prepared for Parties
Even with saying NO, there are still some holiday parties you have to or want to go to! The trick is to be prepared for those parties.
Plan what you are wearing now. Consider a nice little black dress with different accessories if you are short on clothes.
If you are wearing a little black dress you don't want to forget your Dove Dry Spray Deodorant. I love how fresh it feels, how dry it keeps me and most of all how it doesn't make white marks or yellow stains on my clothes.
These dry sprays are a wonderful new way to do deodorant!
I also like to create a party rescue pack to keep in my purse! It's a little beauty arsenal, which could handle almost any issue that comes up at the event.
In my Party Rescue Pack I include more Dove Dry Spray deodorant, Q-tips for any make-up fixes, and a Vaseline lip tin to keep my lips moisturized. I also throw in a travel size TRESemmé hairspray and hair ties to keep my hairstyle looking sleek. You want to look and feel great at a party and this kit can really help.
When you have a busy day traveling between events this kit could be a life saver keeping you from a sweaty situation, smudged makeup or a hair disaster.
These are products I stock up on at Walgreens, including the adorable tote, and keep in my beauty arsenal year-round. And you should too... especially with the great offers Walgreens has going on right now! I'll share those deals and how you can win your own party rescue pack below. There will be THREE winners, so stick around.
Don't Overindulge
There is so much food and alcohol around this time of year. I'm not saying not to have fun and eat your favorites, but don't do it everyday. If you over eat and over drink more days than not you will put on weight, not feel good and regret those decisions.
Choose to only indulge on the weekend, or just at select parties, but not all the time. Find a balance in enjoying the holidays and not over doing it.
Make Time for Self Care
This time of year can get so busy that we take care of everyone but ourselves. Don't forget to schedule time for self care!
Sleep with help you deal with stress and any unexpected problems. If you haven't slept sometimes they can seem much worse or less manageable. Also don't forget to honor your exercise routine. Are you a runner, keep doing that. Try yoga and meditation to find your zen in all the chaos.
Keep it Simple
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy around the holidays. We try to do too much and make it too complicated. I am SOOOO guilty of this.
Try just making one type of cookies this year, or use gift bags instead of paper. There are ways to keep it simple and cut corners without sacrificing the joy of the holiday.
Set an Intention of Joy
And that brings me to the most important way to help with dealing with holiday stress. Often times our negativity can take over without realizing it. Meditate and set an intention of joy this holiday season. We all KNOW this time of year is busy and brings all sorts of stressors out. Some of those we can control and some we can't.
Decide to embrace the chaos with joy and do your best to make your decisions surrounding that. I call it "fake it 'till you make it."
Now I know this doesn't always work and that life isn't always fairy tales and happiness. The holidays can cause all sorts of family stress and even bring on true depression, but on some level I believe this can help. If you are feeling completely overwhelmed and feel you need more help, don't be ashamed to reach out and get that help!
Hopefully these tips can help with your holiday stress!
Party Rescue Pack Giveaway
Now here's the fun part! Three of you will win your own Party Rescue Pack from Walgreens featuring Dove deodorant, Q-tips, Vaseline lip tin, travel size TRESemmé hairspray and hair ties. What a perfect addition to your purse this holiday season. Comment below to enter!
Here's the official contest rules.
And don't forget Walgreens is the place to shop for all your holiday party must haves.
Right now they are featuring $1.50 off any ONE (1) AXE, Degree or Dove antiperspirant or dry spray (excludes trial and travel) until January 13th. They will also be Buy One, Get One 50% off December 18th through December 24th!
Need to find these tips later? Pin this to your favorite holiday themed board!
I'm linking up with Marvelous Monday, Wild Workout Wednesday and Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Thanks so much for reading today! Come back tomorrow for a fun and healthy Dark Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn recipe. <--- it's da bomb. 🙂
Your turn!
What kind of dry spray (pictured above) would you add to your Party Rescue Pack? Comment below for the chance to win your own pack![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
nancy begley says
Hi, Julie I would want to add the Dove dry spray....
Stephanie Stephenson says
Hi Julie!!! Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. I love your blog and miss seeing you on WLOS. I would love to try the Dove deodorant as well as the other products! Have a happy new year from Asheville!!!?
JulieWunder says
Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much for reading! xoxo
Ellen Casper says
Great tips! I would add the Dove dry spray to my party pack.
Latanya says
Your decorations are pretty.
Lisa L. says
I've been wanting to try out dry spray deodorant. I use degree antiperspirant stick now so the degree spray would be the one I'd want to try first.
Elizabeth p says
I would add the dove dry spray to myee pack. thanks for the chance
Christine Labelle says
I would get the Dove dry spray for me and the Axe for my husband.
Sheila Austin says
Great tips, I would like to try Dove Dry Spray. Merry Christmas!
Kristin says
I absolutely love dove dry spray. It's so easy to use, no mess and smells so clean.
Mary Jean Henson says
Great advice. I'm giving some of these suggestions a try during this stressful season!
Mary Jean Henson says
Great advice. Will use some of these tips during this stressful time!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mary Jean! Hope you holiday was amazing!
Edye says
Such awesome advice! The holidays can be stressful, but I think we need to remember the reason for the season. Also, this is a time to be with the ones we love most, not worry about all the little details. Wishing you and yours a very merry holiday season <3
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Really great tips! I definitely need to follow your advice and shop early and online and just get it all done! Rushing around can be so stressful. I also like the idea of unwinding...my boyfriend and I definitely need to work on that as we're still recovering from Thanksgiving!
JulieWunder says
Oh I feel ya! It takes me awhile to recover from Thanksgiving! haha!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
These are such great tips! One way I always reduce stress is by getting my Christmas shopping done REALLY early.... like... September/October early. That way I know that's out of the way and I can focus on enjoying Christmas parties and events, spending time with loved ones and finishing up work for the year!
JulieWunder says
That is such a good idea! I wish I would do that!
Farrah says
Shopping online is such a huge time saver! I definitely don't have time to shop in person as much as I'd like, so Amazon it is! Great tips!
Michelle @ Fruition Fitness says
I started shopping (on Amazon from the comfort of my own home!) on Thanksgiving night, and it has taken so much stress off! Thanks for the tips!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Oh the holidays - so joyful and yet so stressful! These are great tips. I love the idea of a little holiday party rescue pack.
Annmarie says
I've done a majority of my shopping already and it really does help to take some of the seasonal stress away!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I definitely think holidays are as stressful as people make them. You have the option to say no, do less, etc. and if you do, you'll likely be happier and enjoy the season. That's my mantra when it comes to the holidays, less is more.
JulieWunder says
LOVE that!!!
Madeline says
I'd add the Dove dry spray to my party pack. Thanks for the tips!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Madeline!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
Great tips! So many of these are useful for year round - like self care - one I think we all ignore too much!
JulieWunder says
So true! I need a nice long bath!
Esther says
GREAT post!
I am already stressed and I SO need to get rid of the stress now!
I made a good plan today to order online and ship my gifts now vs having to travel with everything for my upcoming trip!
JulieWunder says
Such a good idea!
Maria says
I love the idea of saying no 🙂 It makes you enjoy the things you really want to attend!
JulieWunder says
So true!
jill conyers says
Great tips Julie. For the past few years I've been on a roll with stress free holidays. yay!
JulieWunder says
Oh man! I'm jealous! I am a work in progress!!! 🙂
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
These are all great tips! The holidays can be a very stressful time of year!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Angela!
Heather says
My time management skills are lacking this holiday season! I will have to give this deodorant a try.
JulieWunder says
I think we all struggle!
michelle mink says
I have got to try the Dove dry spray because I have a problem with sweat stains and white marks from my deodorant. I'll put that on my shopping list.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Michelle!
Emily says
Online shopping is SUCH a life saver. It's funny, because I often come away from a visit to the mall with one thing, but Amazon Prime enables one to find exactly what they need. It truly is such a blessing, and I think I too often take it for granted.
And I LOVE that you encouraged us to know our limitations, so we don't have to go to everything. <3
JulieWunder says
I know! total game changer!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
Totally with you on learning to say NO this time of year. I think sometimes we accept every invitation or obligation and it causes more stress than joy.
JulieWunder says
Exactly! Story of my life!! haha!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
These are all great tips! It's definitely important to take care of yourself and say 'no' sometimes! I also love the part about making a conscious effort to choose joy!
JulieWunder says
Yes! It makes a big difference!
Madeline says
The ultraclear sounds the best! I'd try that one.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
we often forget time for self-care, which is sooo important.
JulieWunder says
Such a good reminder!
abbey sharp says
I agree, it's important not too overindulge and eat mindfully around the holdiays!!
Also, I really want to try that dry spray deodorant!!
JulieWunder says
You'll love it!
Annette says
I've tried the Dove spray and it was really nice.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Annette!
Chrissy says
I agree that it's easy to get stressed out this time of year. We just want to do it all and make it all so perfect. Sometimes we just have to let some things go and enjoy. Enjoy ourselves, our family and friends and this magical time of year.
JulieWunder says
So true! Great reminders!
CourtneyLynne says
Great tips!!!! I did all of my shopping early this year so I could enjoy all of December!!! Best decision ever!!!
JulieWunder says
Now that's an even better idea!
paige c says
I love the dove dry spray!
JulieWunder says
me too! Good stuff!
glenneth says
these are great tips. i find saying no and planning in lots of self-care time keeps the stress low for me.
JulieWunder says
Such good tips Glenneth!
ashley says
invisible
Lindsay Cotter says
I'm right there with you as far as trying not to have so much stress during the holidays. These tips are really going to be helpful for me!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lindsay!
Blane Sherer says
I like to try keep it simple, make plans but
then being Ok with being flexible . The
Holidays can certainly be a stressful time
for folks.
JulieWunder says
It is! Like your attitude towards it!
Jolina says
I do almost all my shopping online too. So much more relaxed! Not sure how easy it would be not to overindulge though haha. Tis the season!
JulieWunder says
It is the season!
Taylor Kiser says
So many great tips here! Planning and doing as much ahead as possible is so important during the holidays. And I love that Party Rescue Pack! Such a wonderful idea!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Taylor!
Chelley Martinka says
I am all about the NO! I have a calendar with me at all times and have 2 slots on the weekends. Once they're full, that's it!
JulieWunder says
That's such a good idea!
maria @closeothome says
I think I need a warm bath right now to calm me down. So much to do so little time.
JulieWunder says
That's right up my alley!
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says
great tips Julie! It's so easy to get stressed out and overwhelmed this time of year. So important to remember to ACTUALLY enjoy the holiday!
JulieWunder says
I know!! haha!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Love this post! I would add dry shampoo spray to the pack....I especially like Batiste Dry Shampoo spray.
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! Love that stuff!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I love the dove spray deodorant. I have a few other spray ones but they still leave a sticky feeling and this kind does not. Learning to say no to things and evend is something I need to work on too.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Life has been a little crazy lately so these tips are just what I needed!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Liz!
Neely Moldovan says
I am the worst about saying no. Mostly because I hate the fear of missing out or disappointing people. At 30 weeks pregnant I have to say no more
JulieWunder says
Oh I know... FOMO is REAL in my life too.
Laura says
We have *drastically* reduced the amount of presents we purchase and who we buy for! We want our kids to each open 3 gifts on Christmas (because Jesus got 3 gifts)! So we have to be creative with how we give them grandparent gifts!
JulieWunder says
Such a good idea! There is so much stuff this time of year!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
Snuggle with a baby 😉 haha
JulieWunder says
So sweeeetttt!!!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Taking time for yourself is so important! Love the rescue kit idea too
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah!
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. says
Great suggestions 🙂
I have been doing my shopping online also. It's so convenient and shipping is so quick nowadays that I know it'll get here in no time. It's been such a relief!
JulieWunder says
Soo much easier! Thanks Divya!
Catherine Sargent says
These are all great tips. I had planned on shopping early this year, but that hasn't happened yet. I hope to get some shopping done this weekend.
JulieWunder says
Good luck!!!
Elena says
These are great tips. Thank you for the giveaway!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Elena!
Emily Kyle says
I just love set an intention of joy! It is so simple yet so difficult! Great post, Julie 🙂 Happy Holidays!
JulieWunder says
Thanks! Easier said than done... but it always helps to try!
Stephanie says
this mama-to-be would love this prize!
JulieWunder says
Good luck!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
EVERYONE has a little black dress 😉 Super useful tips. Sadly we have no holiday parties this year - although even if we did, I don't know who would watch my kiddos anyway!
JulieWunder says
Awww bummer!! I'm sure you have lots of fun kiddie events though!
Hey Sharonoox says
Yes, I really need this when it comes to holiday stress. This is such a helpful tips! Just Pinned it.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sharonoox!
sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
I just wore this simple black dress for a holiday party....and I said to my hubby...this is the WORST for deodorant...this spray dry stuff would be great for that dress!
JulieWunder says
It makes a big difference!
Gail Bell says
Great tips! Thanks!
Earlier in the year you shared a product, Almay Eraser Sticks. They are A.W.E.S.O.M.E. I am giving as stocking stuffers and now will add some of your list to the goodies.
JulieWunder says
OMG! Aren't those amazing!! my fav!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
All great tips Julie! I'm actually doing ok in terms of shopping, it's the travel plans, family gatherings and other holiday parties that are causing me stress. I definitely need to get comfortable saying "no" more often 😉
JulieWunder says
I know! it's all the plans!
Mary Beth Jackson says
All great tips! We need to take the holidays slow & easy! The party rescue pack is a super idea! I only use the Dove dry spray- it is the best! Mine has a blue top I believe ?
JulieWunder says
Love that stuff! Thanks MB!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
So many great tips. Saying NO is really hard for me and really need to do because again more stuff got thrown on me without asking and I'm trying to juggle things. Never fails that my husband ends up traveling too, this year a little more this time of year. Last year we got lucky with the remodel he didn't have to.
With that I'm combating the stress by gifting myself a month of unlimited workouts at barre and really trying to prioritize my self and self care more.
JulieWunder says
What a bummer! Hope he gets to stay home this year.
Kat says
I definitely think that keeping it simple is crucial - especially when it comes to holiday parties! I tend to want to go all out [whether Im throwing one or going to one!] by making extravagant dishes and buying certain plates and accessesories to pair with them. Why go to the extreme? Sometimes its ok I understand that, but don't add the extra stressor - especially if you are already feeling the holiday blues!
JulieWunder says
I feel ya! I am my own worst enemy when it comes to party planning.
DogVills says
Being stress this coming Holiday is the worst and I will not let stress to come over me. This is really good advice.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! Something we all have to face!
Dee Johnson says
Awesome tips and great party rescue pack.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Dee!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
I love this! The holidays are such a stressful time, regardless. Both of our parents are divorced so we have 4 families to see for the holidays (even though Alex's father passed away, his aunt throws a big holiday party every year) which is a lot with 2 kids. I think a big thing for me is just accepting that I don't have to do it all - I don't have to accept all of the invites,do it all my self, bake all the cookies.
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
Great tips! I definitely have learned to say No the last few years and skipped some holiday gatherings and/or gift exchanges because of the extra stress. I really get stressed out when we travel home for the holidays since we travel to both my and husbands home towns. It's hard living out of a suitcase and not feeling comfortable. I could never live without hairspray though, that would definitely be in my party rescue pack.
Ashley L says
Party pack is a great idea!
Diane Royer says
These are great tips and I look forward to using them. The little bag is a great idea too, something I've never done but will now! Thanks so much, Julie.
Judy Crowder says
Wonderful tips, thanks!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Have a puppy to lick your face. (and mess up your make up and chew on things) oh wait, this is about decreasing stress, right? oops 😀
Michelle says
Great tips. Thank you
Jennell Rogers says
Why is there no longer a place to click for Pinterest. I can no longer pin your posts
JulieWunder says
Hi Jennell! I haven't made any changes to the site and I'm still seeing one... but I will do some investigating! Thanks for letting me know. You can also pin from the share buttons are the bottom.