This week, we will be discussing ways to lessen your travel and holiday stress. This isn’t only beneficial for this month, but
can be applied to other holidays throughout the year.
Traveling. Plan your travel in advance. If you are traveling with others, work with them to create a plan and see who needs to do what and by when. If you’re flying, allow yourself time for potential delays and cancellations. If you are driving, especially if it is a long distance and/or you have children, it may prove beneficial to pack small healthy snacks for the ride so you don’t have to make frequent stops. Also, don’t be reluctant to let people know if your travel plans fall through and you aren’t able to make it. Don’t force or overwhelm yourself just to make a meeting. If you believe it might be helpful, you can also make a checklist of the things you need to take with you during your travels. Try making the checklist according to where you’re going.
Have a back-up plan. Ensure that you have a back up plan in case of any inclement weather, event cancellations, or some other unavoidable circumstances. Remember that if things don’t go according to schedule, it’s okay. The holidays are about spending time with family and enjoying each other’s presence. Focus more on being with friends and/or family in the current moment.
Create a budget. You may not completely follow it, but having a budget can help provide you with an idea of what you think you may be spending so you don’t feel too overwhelmed. With regards to shopping, it can help provide a guide to help you plan what items are necessary and what you may not need. On your created shopping list, you may also be able to see things that could be substituted with cheaper versions or items that you find in your home.
Plan ahead. Set up a schedule for when “who” will do “what.” Essentially, enlist the help of others! Try planning your menu ahead of time as well as when the shopping should be done. Take inventory of what you already have and what needs to be obtained. And as silly as it may sound, allot time and enlist help for the cleanup! This way, people’s minds can be prepped in advance for when their assistance is needed. If there are any events that you would like to attend as a family, be sure to call in advance and see what they have.
Provide a virtual option to join. There can be various reasons why family members or friends may find it difficult to attend holiday gatherings. They may find it hard to travel due to: inclement weather, children who are too young to travel, long distances, or tight finances. Having a virtual option can help them feel less pressured about planning a stressful travel schedule. In addition, it provides a safer option for those who may have weak immune systems or are immunocompromised. This can also work as a back-up option for those who initially planned on traveling but had last-minute emergencies (or the like) occur. Like we discussed in last week’s blog, Enjoying Holiday Gatherings, one of the key things is that you be mindful and remember that it is okay to say “no.” If there is something you are unable to do, let it be said. Don’t promise things that you are unable to do and end up overwhelming yourself.
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Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN
Transformational Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, Nutritionist-Dietitian
Blessing Bolomope, Student Intern
B.S. Nutrition & Food Science – Dietetics
University of Maryland, College Park | 2020