Simple Tips to Stay Calm and Enjoy the Festivities

Introduction

The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and celebrating with friends and family. In Africa, as in many places around the world, it’s a time when we eat, drink, dance, and give thanks for what we have. But let’s not fool ourselves; the holidays can also be stressful! From preparing the family feast to buying gifts, planning travel, or simply keeping up with the expectations of “the season,” stress can sneak in like a thief in the night, uninvited but definitely not unnoticed.

As much as we love the celebrations, let’s face it, the stress of the holiday season can sometimes make us feel like we’re caught between a rock and a hard place. In African cultures, we are told “when the load is heavy, the person bends.” But what if we could stand straight, carry that load with ease, and still enjoy the holidays without losing our minds?

This article aims to provide simple, practical tips for managing holiday stress, especially during the Christmas and New Year period. We’ll mix in a bit of humor, African idioms, and proverbs, while looking at real-world solutions and debunking a few myths. So, let’s dive in, shall we?

The Stress Is Real, But So Are the Solutions

Let’s begin with the basics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress is a physical and emotional response to external pressures, and it’s not just a bad feeling – it can impact our health, from sleep disturbances to headaches, heart problems, and even more serious mental health conditions like anxiety and depression (WHO, 2023).

But here’s the good news: stress is manageable! And here in Africa, where we’re known for our resilience and resourcefulness, we’ve got enough wisdom passed down from our grandmothers and ancestors to tackle it head-on.

So, let’s take a deeper look at how to reduce holiday stress with a few simple, actionable steps that will keep us both physically and mentally healthy during this festive time.

Tip #1: “Slow Down and Breathe” – It’s Not All About Speed

You know how it goes during the holidays. You’re running around like a headless chicken—shopping for gifts, planning meals, booking flights, and somehow still trying to find time to relax. But here’s a secret: life is not a sprint; it’s more like a marathon, and if you’re not careful, you’ll burn out before you even finish the race.

Case Study:
Meet Titi, a 35-year-old working mom of two from Lagos. Titi’s holidays are often filled with frantic activity. She juggles her job, kids, in-laws, and family gatherings. “By the time New Year’s Day comes around, I feel like a broken-down generator—tired and in need of repair,” Titi says. After trying some simple breathing exercises, Titi learned that even a few minutes of mindful breathing each day helped her stay grounded. “It’s like giving my brain a refreshing bath,” she laughs. “I now remind myself, ‘Relax, Titi. The world will not end if the rice is overcooked.'”

Key Takeaway:
Taking a moment to breathe deeply and slow down during the holidays can do wonders. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation, yoga, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea, slowing down helps clear the mental clutter.

Tip #2: “You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup” – Rest is Non-Negotiable

This one is for the overachievers out there. We Africans are known for our hard work, but sometimes we forget the importance of rest. As the old proverb goes, “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.” Your body needs time to recharge, especially during the hectic holiday season.

Many people make the mistake of thinking they have to be “on” all the time—working, cooking, hosting, and entertaining without taking a break. But here’s the truth: when we don’t rest, we risk burning out.

Case Study:
Kwame, a 42-year-old businessman from Accra, had long worked through the holiday season. This year, however, he decided to take a break. “I started listening to my body,” Kwame explains. “I took naps, had more ‘me time,’ and didn’t let guilt dictate my actions.” The result? He was less stressed and more present during family celebrations. “You don’t realize how much you need rest until you actually get it,” he laughs.

Key Takeaway:
Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’re feeling stressed, your first step should be to recharge. Whether it’s taking an afternoon nap or simply saying no to one extra event, rest can help you manage stress and enjoy the holidays.

Tip #3: “Laughter Is the Best Medicine” – Don’t Forget to Laugh

As Africans, we are masters of laughter. We joke, we laugh, and we dance—even in the midst of adversity. And did you know laughter is a natural stress reliever? Studies have shown that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s feel-good hormones, which reduce stress and even improve immune function (Smith et al., 2022).

So, don’t take yourself too seriously this holiday season. Watch your favorite comedy, dance like no one’s watching, or tell some funny stories around the fire.

Case Study:
Amina, a 29-year-old teacher from Nairobi, shared how humor helped her through the holiday stress. “I’ve learned to laugh at myself,” she says. “When my kids threw flour all over the kitchen during baking, instead of losing my cool, I laughed so hard I cried. We made a joke about it and laughed together.” Amina notes that humor not only eased her stress but also brought her family closer.

Key Takeaway:
Laughter is free, effective, and great for your health. This holiday season, take the time to laugh and enjoy the lighter side of things. It’s medicine for your soul and your body.

Tip #4: “It Takes a Village” – Lean on Your Support System

Remember, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. Whether it’s your friends, family, or even your neighbors, your support system can play a huge role in helping you stay calm during the holiday chaos.

The African community spirit is known for its strength, and there’s wisdom in “Many hands make light work.” You can delegate tasks, ask for help, or simply share your feelings with a trusted friend or relative.

Case Study:
Bola, a 40-year-old from Johannesburg, recalls the year she tried to do everything herself—host the big family gathering, manage all the cooking, buy all the gifts, and still keep up with work. “I ended up feeling like a juggler who dropped all the balls,” she says. The following year, she asked her cousins to help with cooking and organizing, and she even enlisted her teenage daughter to help with gift-wrapping. “It was the most relaxing holiday season I’d had in years!” Bola adds.

Key Takeaway:
Don’t hesitate to lean on others. Your village is there for a reason—use it! Asking for help can reduce stress and make the holidays much more enjoyable.

Debunking Common Holiday Stress Myths

1. Myth #1: “Stress is just part of the holiday season.” While stress is common during the holidays, it’s not inevitable. With proper planning, self-care, and a healthy mindset, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
2. Myth #2: “The more I do, the better the holidays will be.” Overcommitting yourself leads to exhaustion, not enjoyment. It’s better to do a few things well than to spread yourself too thin.
3. Myth #3: “I have to be perfect for the holidays.” Perfection is overrated! No one is expecting you to host the perfect dinner or have flawless decorations. Embrace imperfection—it’s part of the fun!

Conclusion: A Stress-Free Holiday Is Possible

Managing stress during the holidays doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your life. Sometimes, all it takes is slowing down, taking care of yourself, laughing a little more, and asking for help when you need it. This holiday season, remember to honor your mental and physical health, because at the end of the day, what’s the point of celebrating if you’re too stressed to enjoy it?

As the Akan people say, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” So let’s take the journey of holiday wellness together, one breath at a time, and make this festive season one for the books—not for the stress!

References

Smith, J., Tan, S., & Williams, M. (2022). The science of laughter: A holistic approach to stress relief. Journal of Mental Health, 56(3), 142-149.

World Health Organization. (2023). Stress management and its effects on health. https://www.who.int/stress/