Holiday Stress Relief: Family-Friendly Tips For A Joyful Celebration
We know that for both adults and teens, the holidays can sometimes be just as stressful as they are fulfilling.
Below are quick tips to help any young girls in your life (and you!) get through this holiday season with resilience:
Turn down the pressure
Ever feel caught in the family comparison game during the holidays?
Instead of feeling pressured, think of it like a potluck dinner. Each dish brings something special, just like every person in your family.
If someone drops a comparison bomb, flip the script with a sprinkle of self-love and a dash of confidence. Politely acknowledge it, then shift the focus to your awesome strengths and wins.
Your journey is your own unique recipe, making the holiday vibes even richer.
Here’s another tip: If you can excuse yourself for five minutes, practice the 4-5-7 breathing technique (inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for five) to recenter yourself.
Related: 3 Tips Your Daughter Can Use Today To Eliminate Comparisons
Embrace healthy attitudes around food
Create a vibe of positivity around what we eat—no judgment allowed, not for yourself and definitely not for others to judge what you do or don’t eat at the dinner table.
Food is fuel. But hey, it's not just about fuel; it's about the joy of flavors and the fun of trying new things.
This holiday season, let's ditch the guilt, savor every bite, and celebrate the delicious journey of enjoying good food and good company.
Check in on your own feelings
The holidays can bring up deep feelings of grief, comparison, body insecurity, and more. Know that these are a reminder to pause and be gentle with yourself.
Identifying exactly what you’re experiencing is the first step to finding relief.
How specific can you get using the feelings wheel below?
Once you’ve narrowed down the best way to describe your feelings, share them with a loved one. Make sure this is someone you can rely on to support and uplift you, whether together, in-person, or from afar by text.
Not in a spot to connect? Write down your thoughts in a journal or on your phone.
Reconsider social media
Try to resist the urge to compare your behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel. Whether your celebration is big and festive or quiet and cozy, it's special in its own way.
Embrace the uniqueness of your holiday season and focus on the moments that bring you joy, rather than measuring up to someone else's idea of a perfect holiday.
Remember that we are often our harshest critic; remind yourself of what you DO have and try to stay present.
Here’s an easier-said-than-done tip: Consider getting off of social media for a few days.
We’ve got more resources for you! Learn how ZGiRLS can equip your daughter with the confidence to channel her greatness while navigating life’s challenges.