4 Ways To Combat Overwhelm This Holiday Season

I turned onto my street to search out a nice surprise at the tip of our cul-de-sac. “Mommy, take a look at the beautiful lights!” my toddler squealed with excitement. The calendar had just officially flipped, daylight savings time was ending, and my social media friends were sharing their “Hello November” posts. Yet, my neighbor’s brightly lit home, adorned with Christmas lights, was a reminder that the vacation season was upon us.  It wasn’t just the lights on their home; it was the countless advertisements I began receiving for shopping “deals”, invites for holiday gatherings, and the belief that I’d soon must have “the talk” with my husband about whether we could be traveling or staying home this yr. 

Now, don’t get me improper, I absolutely love this time of yr. The joy within the air. The festivities. The smile on my baby’s face as we start decorating our home and baking “her” version of gingerbread cookies, and, if you happen to live in the correct place, the dusting of snow that would arrive, providing you with the possibility for a white Christmas. However, together with the joy the vacation brings, there also comes for some, a way of overwhelm: the stress of feeling like you have got to say yes to each invitation, the fear about not having enough, the agony of wondering if the family gathering will end up the best way you expected. 

One study found that just about nine out of ten adults reported experiencing something that caused them stress through the holiday season. An ironic contrast, for a time, typically known as   “Happy Holidays.”

But the excellent news is that this: it doesn’t must be that way for you. With a little bit of intention, you may protect your peace and show up otherwise this yr.  Here are 4 practical ways to provide help to combat overwhelm this holiday season. 

1. Set Boundaries.

 One of the numerous reasons people feel overwhelmed through the holiday season is their struggle to set healthy and appropriate boundaries. Boundaries provide help to set limits on what you’re comfortable with -or not- in a specific situation or with a selected person. Healthy boundaries are usually not partitions; quite, they’re protection in your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. If you end up overwhelmed through the holiday season, ask yourself- why? And start early by setting boundaries for yourself. For example, you haven’t got to just accept every invitation you receive. It’s alright to say no without over-explaining, for fear of conflict or people-pleasing. Setting boundaries might also mean setting physical limitations on who you invite to your house through the holiday season. If you are feeling overwhelmed or triggered by hosting the yearly family dinner, this may be the yr to contemplate changing who hosts and starting a latest tradition. Perhaps that you must set boundaries along with your time. Accepting the invitation might mean you may only stay for a certain period, allowing you time for other commitments or obligations. What’s one boundary you may create for yourself this season? Seek clever counsel from a faith-based counselor or friend who can provide help to explore what this might seem like. Pray and ask God to guide you in setting the suitable boundaries. Scripture reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, it is best to ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it can be given to you.” James 1:5

2. Plan. 

Admittedly, lots of my overwhelm during previous holiday seasons was brought on by my lack of planning. Last-minute dashes to the shop only to search out that the one ingredient I needed was out of stock. Standing in long lines on the post office because I told myself I’d pick up the stamps tomorrow, which got here and went. The feelings of overwhelm mounted. There’s a quote my colleague used to say, “Proper planning prevents poor performance.”  It’s the concept while you plan well, you set yourself as much as perform well. An absence of planning often results in mistakes, unnecessary stress, and overwhelm. One method to prevent that is to be proactive. If you are inclined to wait until the last minute, try making lists early to make sure you’re prepared this holiday season. Begin by writing down all of the tasks you anticipate, big or small. This could include meal planning, gift shopping, house cleansing, and scheduling holiday activities. Set realistic deadlines for every task, delegate or remove tasks that you just won’t give you the chance to finish, and tackle the remaining items one after the other to avoid last-minute surprises and stress. 

3. Practice Contentment & Gratitude

In a recent survey by Ipsos Research, 65% of respondents who reported being stressed in regards to the upcoming holiday season cited concerns about paying for gifts. 

But the vacations are so way more than finding the correct gifts, perfectly decorated homes, and Pinterest-perfect curated meals. It’s a likelihood to decelerate and deal with what matters. To spend quality, meaningful time with those you like and care about. To be still within the presence of God. To appreciate all He has done and cultivate a heart of gratitude. As the Psalmist declared, “…give because of the LORD with my whole heart; I’ll recount your entire wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 

Additionally, you may combat overwhelm by being content with what you have got. Instead of comparison, trying to find more and feeling like what you have got will not be enough, you may, just like the Apostle Paul. 

“… learn how you can be content (satisfied to the purpose where I’m not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state [you are]” Philippians 4:11 AMP. In the New Testament, contentment means “be satisfied,” and even “make do,” to take delight. By following Paul’s example, we replace feelings of overwhelm with a grounded, regular peace that’s found only in Christ.  

4. Choice Peace.

While statistical studies show that the vacations may bring a way of overwhelm with the hustle and bustle, now we have a selection to embrace something far greater: the peace of God. Let the reality of God’s word anchor your heart this season and meditate on His guarantees while you feel a way of overwhelm creeping in. 

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. – Colossians 3:15 AMP

Now may the Lord of peace Himself offer you peace in any respect times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.-  2 Thessalonians 3:16

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

A Prayer for Peace and Calm this Holiday Season

Father,
Thank You for the enjoyment and peace that You give us, not only in the vacation season but every season. Grant me the wisdom to set healthy and appropriate boundaries that allow me to keep up a posture of peace. Forgive me for the times where discontentment has grown greater than contentment. Help me by your Spirit to deal with what truly matters. May I continually keep my heart and mind anchored in You and Your word.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/nicoletaionescu

Lekeisha Maldon is a speaker, Bible teacher, and counselor who’s deeply captivated with inspiring and empowering women to steer transformed lives through the ability of Christ. She has authored “Pages From My Heart: A Devotional For Women” and curated a 5-day plan titled “From Worry To Worship” on the YourVersion Bible App. Her writing has been featured in publications comparable to Vinewords Devotions & More, Iridescent Women, and Revell Books. Lekeisha has organized several women’s ministry events, been a guest speaker for various organizations comparable to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship campus ministries, and led domestic and international mission trips. Outside of her ministry endeavors, she is a seasoned IT Business consultant with nearly 20 years of experience. She holds degrees in Business Management and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. She is married to her best friend, Charles, and is the proud mother to her beautiful baby girl. To learn more visit her website walkthenarrowway.com or connect along with her on Instagram and Facebook.