How to avoid festive stress this year

ARTICLE

1 November 2024

4 min read

Simple, holistic tips to help you navigate the busy season, and support your wellbeing.

The holidays are always a mad rush. Between work commitments, social events, and the daily to-do list, it’s no surprise we often find ourselves in a bind.

No matter how crazy life might seem, there are always small things we can do to help manage our stress levels, so we can enjoy the festive season.

Take care of your financial wellbeing

The festive season can be expensive. And while we don’t need to buy in excess to enjoy ourselves, spending more than you usually do can take its toll on our health. In fact, in a 2020 global study, over 80 per cent of respondents said all other aspects of their lives were much more manageable when their finances were in order¹.

One way to boost our financial security (and wellbeing as a result) is by having a solid saving strategy; studies have proved this to be true, regardless of income levels². Getting specific on how much you can comfortably spend without causing strain is a positive step towards financial wellbeing.

Gift different

Presents don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Gifting someone something they can’t buy isn’t only kinder to your wallet and the environment, it’s an incredibly personal gesture too.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

Cooking: Homemade preserves, jams, sauces, or baked goods. Pop them in a jar and tie with a ribbon.

Writing: Whether it’s a short story or a silly poem, put pen to paper.

Pre-loved: Get a few friends together for a clothing, jewellery, or toy swap to find new treasures.

Frame something: A card from that restaurant you visited together, a photo, a memento or your own story/poem.

Get crafty: Whether you knit, sculpt, play music or paint, why not gift something of your own creation?

All or Something

Worried about blowing your budget? Don’t restrict yourself to the point of discomfort. Incorporating a few small, financially smart habits can help you enjoy the things you love, without sacrificing your financial stability.

All: Set aside small weekly amounts towards your personal financial goal.

Something: Trim your discretionary spend; cancel a subscription, pack lunch, and make coffee at home.

Look after your brain

When life gets busy, our mental health can take a back seat. In trying to do everything for those around us, we often neglect what we need from ourselves. If you find yourself feeling a bit more anxious or sad, a mindful exercise can help.

Whether it’s a short walk, a 10-minute meditation, or a few rounds of breathwork, doing one of these exercises even a few times a week can help to calm our central nervous system, reduce our cortisol (stress) levels, and regulate our emotions to a point of peace and control.

Connect with others

The holidays can be paradoxically busy and empty, full of people and full of no one. If you find yourself in need of more connection, you’re not alone. Opening yourself up to new people and experiences, no matter how daunting it may seem at first, can soften the bluntness of loneliness. Some things you can try are:

Calling or visiting a friend, loved one or therapist.
Joining a class: pottery, dancing, book clubs, etc.
Visiting your local Library’s Chatty Coffee Club.
Volunteering.

We can’t always predict when we will feel stressed, but we can recognise when we do feel overwhelmed, and take small, active steps to help to manage our emotions along the way, so we can still enjoy all the stuff that makes the holidays great.

Footnotes

¹ https://apis.pe/insight/the-convergence-of-financial-and-physical-wellness-a-new-paradigm/

² https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-17475-001

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2024 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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