For many, the holidays can bring stress, anxiety, or reminders of a lost loved one. While it’s a time to bring feelings of love and joy, it can also bring a lot of angst which leads many people to experience heightened emotions. Dealing with spending too money on gifts, the in-laws or spending time with our own families, we can benefit from tips on relieving holiday stress. Here is advice on dealing with common stressors during the holiday season:
1. Manage Expectations: Our own expectations, as well as those of others (our significant other, parents, children, employer, etc), who play a role in determining how much stress we will experience. Managing expectations is an important part of reducing holiday stress. We need to manage expectations as well as maintain our priorities.
2. Manage Finances: Especially during difficult economic times, financial concerns are paramount for many (finances are listed as a top stressor in most surveys.) Avoid overspending that is not aligned with priorities that derail you and create stress.
3. Manage Time: In an already busy schedule, holiday activities can create time pressure. Whenever you get stressed out, anxious or feel overwhelmed, take a quick relaxation break to calm yourself down. Visualizations and mindfulness can be helpful during periods of stress and overwhelm.
4. Cope with Loss: Sometimes a family member has passed away making the holiday season is especially difficult. Family structures may have changed (divorce, breakup, etc) and this can also prompt feelings of sadness during the holiday season. Make sure you are aware and cope with the grief as you acknowledge that the holidays can be a tough time.
Think about your own needs by balancing self-care with the needs of others, stress is reduced when everyone benefits.
Think about your own needs by balancing self-care with the needs of others, stress is reduced when everyone benefits. If you are having difficulty dealing with holiday stress contact us and schedule a consultation to learn more about our services.
