Manage Holiday Stress: Manage Your Expectations

A big source of stress during the holidays can be the discrepancy between expectations and reality. Often, the expectations we have are far from the reality we see.

Whether it’s expectations about how the kids will behave, expectations about how dinner will turn out, expectations about the holiday party you plan to attend, or expectations about hosting relatives in your home.

When your expectations don’t match the reality of the situation it can mean major disappointment and stress that is hard to overcome.

The following are some ways to help you manage expectations so that you can avoid disappointment and enjoy the holiday season.

1. Be Realistic

Nothing sets you up to fail more than unrealistic expectations. Often, we become stressed during the holidays because we wrongfully believe things will go a certain way based purely on our hopes, but not based on the realities of the situation. If we can come to the conclusion that things won’t be perfect and that mistakes or mishaps will probably occur, we can better deal when they do happen rather than becoming unhinged and overly emotional.

2. Prepare Yourself

Preparation is another important part of managing expectations well. If you are aware of potential scenarios and incidents, taking measures beforehand to deal with them can help you avoid stress. For instance, having a backup dish if the one you initially prepare turns out poorly can help you simply transition rather than becoming unable to cope.

4. Positive Perspective

As hard as it can be, it is important to have a positive perspective if you are looking to properly manage expectations. This is because you will generally find whatever it is you set your mind upon. Thus, if your perspective and expectations are negative then you will primarily see the negative and have an unpleasant experience. Meanwhile, if you set your mind upon more positive things, you will see things from a more positive light and thus have a more pleasant time.

5. Get Help

Too often people believe they are far more capable than they are or that they must go it alone in order to be successful. Neither sentiment is healthy. Getting help from others can help you avoid the disappointment that comes with not being able to do it alone or do it well alone.

When you get help you are able to accomplish much more, and generally do it in a more efficient and effective way. Thus, seeking help can be a great strategy for managing expectations and stress during the holidays.

6. Stop Comparison

Too often we compare ourselves and our experiences to those of others. This can make us feel inadequate, incapable, and ineffective. What we fail to realize is that much of what we see is curated and not based in reality.

Refraining from spending too much time focusing on what other people are doing and staying in the present moment can help you to avoid the disappointment of whatever is connected to you not looking or being like that of another person.

Final Thoughts

The holidays can be stressful enough by themselves. Adding to that stress by setting unrealistic expectations, comparing yourself to others, trying to do too much alone, being unprepared, or having a negative outlook is absolutely unnecessary.

By avoiding these traps, you can manage your expectations in a healthy way and curate a holiday experience that is personal and meaningful to you and your family. Do not allow unmanaged expectations keep you from the joy of the season. Instead, address these areas and find yourself more content and more engaged during the holidays.