What tips do you have for managing stress over the holiday season?

A big tip I learned, is to leave the day of the event, as stress-free as possible so you can enjoy socializing without getting overly tired. For example, the day before Thanksgiving, I make sure to wash my hair, pick out my outfit and have my side dish cooked and ready to go to bring with me for the following day. The day of, all I have to do is get dressed and go enjoy.

Always dancing,
Elizabeth (team member)

Elizabeth's suggestions sound very much like mine! I also try to take the pressure off myself when it comes to eating - I often eat what makes sense for me at home, before meeting up with family or friends. That way, if there isn't anything "right" for me at that time, I'm not starving or feeling left out. I also try to pace myself, and not say "yes" to too many activities or obligations that are within a few hours or days of each other.

Warmly,
Amanda (team member)

The holidays can be so stressful and tough mentally and physically! I just set my boundaries as to what I will and will not do. Going into the season with a plan is best so that I know my timeline have a "to-do" list so that I am not overwhelmed.

I also do a lot of online shopping for convenience, and do my best to have everything ready at least 3 days before traveling home to my parents' for the holidays should anything unexpected come up 😀

Best,
Julie (InflammatoryBowelDisease.net Team Member)

I also usually drop a hint to new friends or new coworkers that I'm not the most social person in the world when it comes to making plans because of my 'tricky digestion'. It lets people know that I'm not anti-social or avoiding their invitations as much as I'm just trying to take care of myself.