Minimizing holiday stress
November 30, 2011
While grants for parents, college scholarships and other financial aid can help to alleviate a lot of financial stress for mothers who are pursuing a college education throughout the year, the holidays often present a whole new set of worries.
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that households with children are especially likely to suffer from financial stress during the holiday season. A recent report found that 88 percent of families with children categorized money as a significant stressor this time of year. In addition, the APA reports that women are significantly more likely than men to worry about having enough money to purchase gifts (46 percent versus 35 percent).
A lack of time due to end-of-semester studying, assignments and tests may significantly add to the stress many mothers in college encounter this time of year.
But experts say there are ways to cope with the pressures of the season. Having realistic expectations about what you can and cannot accomplish is important, as is seeking help from family and friends. Although you may want to do everything yourself, accepting offers for decorating help, shopping assistance or childcare this time of year may really help minimize stress.
Agreeing to spend time together instead of purchasing gifts for those closest to you may take a significant amount of financial stress away and make you feel less overwhelmed about getting things done before a certain date. Many also choose to postpone holiday celebrations until after the actual holiday. This strategy may be especially helpful for student parents who will focus their efforts on successfully finishing up their college semester leading up to the holidays, but often have an extended period of time afterwards with no school commitments.
Taking time for yourself is also important, especially during this busy season. A few moments listening to your favorite music, reading a good book or taking a long walk can help you put things into perspective and formulate a plan of attack.
Additionally, remembering that time together with family and friends, rather than expensive presents, elaborate decorations and a dozen types of different Christmas cookies, is what makes for a special and memorable holiday can help you put priorities in order.
"It is normal to feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. The pressure to have the perfect holiday can be extraordinary," said Dr. Katherine Nordal, executive director for professional practice at APA. "It is important to put things in perspective and realize that the materialism of the holidays isn't the real spirit of the season. The holidays are about family and togetherness, not tinsel and presents."
