Seasonal stress: 5 simple tips to ease the pressure

The festive season is meant to be a time of joy, connection and celebration – but for many, it also brings long to-do lists, back-to-back commitments, and the pressure to make it the most magical time of the year. Between planning, hosting, gifting, cooking, prepping, and juggling everyday life, it’s no wonder seasonal stress often creeps in.

A 2022 poll found one-third of people experienced mental health declines during the festive months.¹ This highlights just how common these struggles are.

The good news? A few simple shifts can help you stay grounded, merry and well throughout the holidays –

1. Forget perfection

You might be aiming for the perfect meal, gift, or decorations, but perfectionism only adds stress. Let go of perfection; instead, embrace being present over flawless execution. Presence will create more genuine joy and connection with those around you.

2. Support your gut to boost your mood

Stress and gut health are closely linked via the gut-brain axis. When under pressure, digestion and emotional wellbeing can suffer. Prioritising gut-friendly habits supports this connection — because a happier gut helps create a calmer you!

Gut-friendly habits to try:

Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, live yoghurt, and sauerkraut. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria, helping to replenish your gut microbiome.
Add prebiotics to your diet; these are non-digestible fibres that your gut bacteria feed on to support their growth. Our Complete Prebiotic powder is a great, easy way to boost your prebiotic intake!

3. Create moments of stillness every day

The festive period may be jam-packed with events and gatherings, but having time for yourself can be a game-changer for your mental wellness. Small resets can help regulate your nervous system, recharge your battery and replenish your energy. It could be a quiet cup of herbal tea before anyone in the house wakes up, an early morning walk or a slow stretch to release any built-up tension.

4. Say ‘no’ when needed

Just one look at your calendar and the panic sets in, the overwhelm takes over, and you realise you may have overstretched yourself. If this is how you feel, remember it’s ok to say no and slow down this festive period. There’s a temptation to say yes to every party, event or family gathering, but it’s not necessary. Slow days can help you recharge and reenergise, ready for the events you really don’t want to miss!

5. Protect your sleep

Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed during the holidays — but it’s one of the most powerful tools against stress. Adequate sleep stabilises mood, strengthens immunity, and improves resilience.

Ways to protect your sleep:

Create a calming evening routine – this could include a warm bath, a delicious cup of herbal tea, and a good book.
Limit screen time – the blue light from your screens can interfere with your ability to sleep. Try to switch devices off an hour or so before bedtime. You could also try blue light-blocking glasses when using devices.
Listen to your body and honour its needs – if your body is calling for an early night or a quiet moment, listen to it. The mental load will feel harder if you are sleep-deprived, so allow your body to rest when it needs.

Christmas and New Year don’t have to be perfect to be special. By implementing these simple tips, you can create a calmer, more authentic festive season for yourself and your loved ones.

For more support this Christmas, check out Liberty’s article – Lonely this Christmas? How to feel connected when social anxiety strikes!

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.

References

1
https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-east-yorkshire/2023/12/18/christmas-a-time-of-joy-happiness-and-goodwill-to-all/