Sixty-two percent of Americans are feeling stressed right now, with shopping, decorating, and meeting expectations taking away from the enjoyment. Rebecca Duffy, a therapist and mom, understands the pressure. "It's hard to keep the magic and not go under with the pressure," she said. She knows it can be challenging to balance holiday activities with finances and a busy schedule. Duffy also notes that if you're feeling exhausted or losing interest in holiday activities, it might be a sign of burnout, according to ABC 15.
To avoid this, Duffy advises setting boundaries and being realistic. "Write things down. If it’s not on the calendar at the end of November, it shouldn’t happen in December." She also warns against overdoing it, saying, "Be realistic with yourself, it's not worth being exhausted for January, February, and March, because of the months of November and December." After all, "It’s a marathon, not a sprint," as stated by ABC 15 and 7 Summit Pathways
The holiday season can be stressful, but prioritizing your well-being is essential. Try incorporating calming practices like meditation and sticking to a budget to avoid financial stress later. Setting boundaries with family can help reduce drama, and it's important to remember that many moms bear the brunt of holiday shopping, with 90% taking charge and 42% even picking out their own gifts. If the pressure becomes overwhelming, organizations like EvolvedMD offer support to help you navigate the season more easily, as reported by ABC 15.
