Handling Holiday Stress with Affirmations

Introduction

Ah, the holiday season... a season is often filled with and associated with joy, love, and excitement. However, it can also bring its fair share of stress and anxiety. Who should you buy gifts for? What should you get them? Staying on track for your budget! From the pressure of finding the perfect gifts to dealing with crowded stores and navigating family dynamics, it's easy to feel overwhelmed during this time of year. Fortunately, there is a powerful tool that can help us manage and reduce holiday stress: affirmations.

The Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are usually defined as positive statements that help shift our mindset and focus on the good in our lives. By repeating these phrases regularly, we can rewire our brains to think positively and overcome stress. During the holiday season, affirmations can be particularly effective in helping us cope with temporary stress, the feeling of time going by too fast, and some times challenging family dynamics that pop up.

Check out some of my favorite affirmations for handling the holiday stress below...

Affirmations for Temporary Stress

1. "I choose to focus on the joy and love that the holiday season brings."

2. "I am in control of my emotions and can choose to let go of stress."

3. "I trust in my ability to prioritize and manage my time effectively."

4. "I am grateful for the moments of relaxation and self-care that I allow myself during the holiday season."

Affirmations for Time Going By Too Fast

1. "I am present in each moment and savor the joy it brings."

2. "I embrace the flow of time and trust that everything will get done in its own time."

3. "I release the need to rush and instead enjoy the process of preparing for the holidays."

4. "I create meaningful memories that will last long after the holiday season is over."

5. "I am grateful for the time I have and make the most of each moment."

Affirmations for Dealing with Difficult Personalities

1. "I choose to respond with kindness and understanding, even in challenging situations."

2. "I release the need to take other people's actions personally."

3. "I am surrounded by love and support, even in the presence of difficult personalities."

4. "I am confident in setting boundaries and prioritizing my well-being."

5. "I choose to focus on the positive qualities of those around me and let go of negativity."

Another favorite of mine for this, especially when my patience might be thinning in a store with a stranger or with family (or myself), is the phrase, "Everyone is doing the best they can with what they have." This reminds me we're all just chugging along, trying to do our best, and be our best selves. It assumes positive intent, which I feel has helped me with my patience and helps to provide a more positive outlook. I've heard this in various forms, but I think I really adopted it after reading Brené Brown's work and hearing how it's benefited her and her family.

Conclusion

The holiday season doesn't have to be a source of stress and anxiety. By incorporating affirmations into our daily routine, we can shift our mindset and approach the holidays with a sense of calm and joy.

Remember, affirmations are most effective when repeated regularly and believed wholeheartedly. So, take a moment each day to affirm yourself and embrace the true spirit of the holiday season.

Wishing you a stress-free and joyful holiday season!