Staying Sane During the Holidays | Linda Yates

Are you starting to feel the holiday stress? It’s the most wonderful time of the year because we make it that way – all the extra cooking, cleaning, gift-giving, decorating, baking… all that time has to come from somewhere. In this episode, image coach Linda Yates offers advice for how you can thrive this holiday season and actually enjoy the fruits of all your labor.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is often called “the stress hormone”, but in reality, cortisol has a lot of different functions. It helps us regulate our blood pressure, our metabolism, and our fight-or-flight response. Cortisol starts causing problems when we are under stress for a long period of time, like during the holidays when we experience extra stress for a couple of months. To keep your cortisol levels in check, it’s important to set yourself up for success by getting organized in advance.

Organizational Strategies for the Holidays

Create a dedicated holiday planner or notebook complete with a calendar and space to take notes. Keep track of important dates or events, and schedule time to prepare for those events a little bit at a time. Whether you’re feeding everyone for a big holiday event or you’re making dinner for the family, now is the time to opt for simple holiday dishes that can be prepped (at least partially) in advance.

Holiday Budgeting

Put your gift ideas into a notebook or the Notes app on your phone and work out costs in advance. Make sure you budget in shipping costs if you’re getting gifts online! Create a budget that allows for some wiggle room so that you can handle unexpected expenses that tend to come up around the holidays - buying extra gifts, nights out with family, takeout, etc.

Finding the Time to Relax During the Holidays

Set boundaries around your time so you can prioritize de-stressing and getting good sleep. Don’t feel the need to plan and prep from morning until night – make time to do relaxing activities. Delegate tasks! It’s okay to ask for help. Ask friends, family, roommates, or kids if you have them! Involve them in the process.

Holiday Hacks

Always buy a few extra simple gifts. Have a few unisex items like coffee tumblers, holiday socks, or even Amazon gift cards on hand. It doesn’t have to be pricey! Bake a big cookie recipe and freeze the dough in cookie-sized portions. Add a couple of minutes to the normal bake time, and voila! Fresh cookies on demand. (Or buy pre-made cookie dough!) Focus on sharing experiences with your loved ones. Ice skating and decorating gingerbread houses are classics, or choose something unique like going to a holiday concert or a walk at the botanical gardens!

“That’s what makes the holidays – it’s those memories. Yeah, maybe there’s a gift or two that you remember… but most of the holidays that I personally remember are the ones that have those experiences, those family experiences.” – Linda Yate