7 Simple Ways to Eliminate Holiday Season Stress

holiday season stress NORM

It’s no wonder holiday season stress is an issue for so many: the shopping and crowds, the office parties, and bustling medical practices. It’s so easy to feel not so wonderful during this most wonderful time of the year, especially when you are managing a busy medical office.  

Keeping your stress level down helps with more than staying relaxed — it can ensure you enjoy better overall health this holiday season and every holiday season for years to come. Here’s a seven-step guide to staying stress-free this holiday season. 

Eat healthily. 

It’s perfectly fine to indulge a little during the festivities. It’s tough to say no during a time that should be about fun and celebration. In fact, never indulging can do more harm than good. However, there is no reason to do damage to yourself by overeating just because it’s the holiday season.  

Prepare for your hearty holiday dinners by eating healthy meals the week prior, not the week after. Also, limit your alcohol intake. It might seem like a good idea to stifle your seesawing emotions by drinking the whole bottle of wine. However, alcohol will only intensify already-existing emotions and will lead to a crash in energy once its effects wear off.  

By eating and drinking in moderation, you can remain in control of your emotions and feel more comfortable with your surroundings. 

Stay active. 

It’s easy this time of year to throw your fitness regime out the window. The temperatures are cold, and that comfy couch and cozy blanket are more appealing than a brisk walk outside. Unfortunately, inactivity can make seasonal depression worse.  

Exercise produces the same chemical reaction in your brain as an antidepressant. Nature has similar effects- so combining the two is even better. It’s really the best way to stay mentally and physically at the top of your game any time of year but is especially important over the holidays. This is great weather for hiking and trail running, so get outside and move! 

Prepare. 

Proactive planning can help you feel more in control of the details while you move through the whirlwind of the season. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends, and other activities. Plan your menus and build your shopping list for what you need. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. 

Get vaccinated. 

One of the most stressful parts of the holidays is the sickness that comes along with it. As medical office personnel, it’s imperative that you are prepared. The best way to protect against the flu this holiday season is to get your shot as soon as possible.  

According to WebMD, “your best bet is to get a flu shot early in the season, so your body has a chance to build up immunity to the virus. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to protect you.” 

Unplug. 

As a medical office manager, you deal with a lot and you more than likely utilize technology all day. While a backcountry cabin getaway probably isn’t realistic, scheduling a night or two of downtime is a great way to recharge.  

Whether spending the weekend with family, soaking in a warm bath, taking a long nature hike, or just relaxing at home, keep it easy and relaxing. Use this time to focus on quiet reflection and screen-free time with your favorite people. 

Be flexible. 

The key to setting ourselves up for a more relaxing holiday season is to let go of perfectionism. It’s the holidays and things aren’t going to be perfect. In-laws are coming, pies will burn, and gifts won’t be as you expected. Accept that you will experience some stress- and don’t worry about it too much.  

Sure, long-term stress is unhealthy, but occasionally feeling overwhelmed isn’t the end of the world.  Don’t let the idea of stress become the cause of it. Lowering your expectations for throwing the perfect party or buying the most memorable gift will allow you to ease up and enjoy each moment for what it is. 

Ask for help and use shortcuts. 

Order a delicious side salad from a local deli or the bakery’s pumpkin pie to complement your main course. Take advantage of online shopping for gifts and groceries! With inexpensive shipping fees and personal shoppers, you can avoid crowds and long lines, saving your time for memory-making with the ones you love. 

Self-Care is Imperative for Decreasing Holiday Season Stress 

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during this time of year. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands. Doing so will help you fight them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays. 

Posted by
  • As a speaker at the first ad hoc meeting of rheumatology practice managers gathered in a single small room at its infancy a decade ago, I’m amazed to see how NORM has blossomed into a high energy organization of depth and professional meetings with parallel break-out symposia between plenary sessions. NORM has truly come of age. This is where the “business” of rheumatology gets learned. The ”guildmanship” for rheumatology practice management is now strong.- Paul H. Caldron, DO, FACP, FACR, MBA, Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates
  • In a time of demanding changes in the management of medical practices in the US, NORM has been a lifesaver to the community of Rheumatology practices.  NORM has allowed our practice to stay ahead of the many demands of CMS and others payors and has ensured that our practice remains cognizant of new issues that arise in HIPPA compliance, human resources and medical billing to name a few. Sending our Practice Manager to NORM's conferences has been cost-effective and beneficial to our practice because she returns to our office with an abundance of information that otherwise would have taken months to compile. Every Rheumatology practice that wishes to stay on top of emerging issues in practice management should consider sending a member of their staff to NORM's conference.- Michael S. Rosen M.D., Chester County Rheumatology PC
  • Thanks to all those wonderful people in the NORM Network who respond to emails, offering their advice, experience, time, and support ... I haven't even been a member a full year yet and I am amazed at the dedication of everyone who responds to helping via emails and the NORM Organization itself! I have barely had a chance to explore the resources and I have yet to really dive into requests for help still I am silently learning so much and do occasionally offer what I can! Thank you all!- Cheryl Piambino, Kenneth E. Bresky, DO

What We Offer

We’re adding value to practices across the nation by creating a thriving community of rheumatology managers and physicians.

Membership Benefits

Become a Member

Annual Conference

Conference Registration