4 Easy Actions to Reduce Holiday Stress
Photo by cottonbro studio
TL/DR:
Helping others lowers your cortisol and reduces stress
Small acts of kindness towards those in need (like tipping generously or donating pantry items make a difference)
You have more agency than you think to help others, and reduce your own stress. Win-win!
The Whole Shebang:
Around this time every year, I post something about how to reduce holiday stress.
The stresses that accompany big holiday gatherings are myriad.
And this year lots of people are facing all sorts of other, much more dire, stressors than making sure you have the right table-scape for your holiday meal.
As I write this, SNAP funding hangs in the balance:
The ~12% of US families (41 million Americans!) who risk losing SNAP benefits are worried about how they’ll put food on the table to begin with.
And the ~27,000 businesses who rely on purchases made with SNAP funds are subsequently feeling that squeeze as well.
So, yes, you’re about to face yet another year of the normal holiday stressors like:
Listening to your curmudgeonly uncle drone on (and on) while running around the house trying to ensure that everyone gets enough appetizers in their bellies before the wine really starts flowing.
Trying to make sure your cousin’s new baby doesn’t end up with RSV, the flu or COVID when all you were trying to do is make sure everyone has a great time.
And that’s always bound to be just a little bit stressful, but this year, I’m asking myself, and everyone around me (including you!), to expand your thoughts to those around you who have less.
And you might be thinking:
“How on earth can I do that? Where do I start?”
But, if I’d said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times!:
You have a more agency than you think.
And, if you’re wondering “How can helping other people reduce my stress?; I’ve already got too much on my plate?”, well, I’ve got some exciting science to share:
Studies show that helping others does wonders for lowering your own cortisol (your stress hormone)!
So, here are a 4 concrete ways you can help others this holiday season, and in turn, lower your stress.
It’s a win-win!
1) Give to your local food bank
Food banks are going to be bearing the brunt of the loss of SNAP benefits and they are not prepared for the influx. In fact, I heard that SNAP provides 9 meals for every 1 meal food banks provide.
Giving to your food bank couldn’t be easier. And it doesn’t have to be expensive.
It is very likely that your kids’ school, your local grocery stores, and your local fire department all have drop offs locations for food and toys this holiday season.
In fact, just yesterday I got an email about the food drive at one of my kids’ schools. And so I went through my cabinets looks for shelf-stable food that I could part with. In 30 second flat, I filled two grocery bags and sent them with my kid to school this morning. (And yes, I’m aware that the fact that this was easy for me to do is a sign of my own privilege; I’m committed to using that privilege for good.)
2) Join a Mutual Aid group
A few months ago, I joined the SF Bay Mutual Aid Society, a “collective of Bay Area residents & organizers coming together for the purpose of meeting the needs of our local community”.
If you google “your city+mutual aid” you’re very likely to find a group you could get keyed into.
3) Tip generously when dining out, getting delivery or using ride share services
Service workers often rely on SNAP benefits.
DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, Lyft. These folks rely on your tips.
4) Use this free tool to find ways you can help (that work for you!)
A few months ago I built this free tool designed to help you figure out where and how you can help others and protect democracy, based on your skills, interests, time available and risk levels.
Feel free to try it out and share it widely!
Want a bonus method to reduce stress (that will cost you nothing)?
Make a list of things you’re grateful for!
It might feel difficult to do right now, but give it a whirl anyway:
Start making a list of what you are grateful for.
And add to it every time you think of something.
Then return to this list whenever you need a mood boost.
Or even consider sharing it around your holiday table!
(In fact, some studies show that stress hormones are up to 23% lower in people who cultivate gratitude.)
If you’re currently living with abundance, or even a little extra to share, consider the impact if could make on others this holiday season.
And remember, that your good deeds will not only help others, but will reduce your own stress.
If you have a unique way you’re giving back this holiday season, will you share it with me? I’d love to crowdsource ideas!
Take care,
Alexis
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