Need help managing stress this holiday season? Try these 3 tips from UGA Extension

The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike.

Much like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time allows you to spend more of the holiday with guests, setting expectations ahead of the celebration can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Set clear boundaries early

“First and foremost, set clear boundaries up front and do it with kindness. Clarify what expectations you have and ask if everyone can be on the same page about that in advance,” said Futris, adding that addressing issues ahead of time can circumvent conflict.

“If you are traveling and somebody strongly disagrees about setting those parameters, you have a choice of whether you want to go or not. If everybody’s coming to you, just be very clear about the house rules — we’re not going to be talking politics, we’re not going to bring up the Falcons, we’re not talking about Georgia football, whatever it may be. It’s not OK to just say everything and anything on your mind however you want to say it.”

Being intentional about how you react to situations is also a wise move. Making plans to take a walk, play with children or a pet, or just step outside for some air are all positive ways to diffuse stress.

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