5 Simple Tips to Cope With Holiday Stressors
By Vamsi Tummalachetty, PsyD
The holiday season can be fun, but it is also common to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
You may feel exhausted and angry as you navigate the demands of the seasons including family and financial pressures. This can also be a period where we confront memories of past holiday seasons that may be traumatic. The end of one year and the start of a new one creates a period of reflection that may also be difficult but also brings opportunities with it. Especially if you’re already experiencing mental health issues like anxiety and depression, the season can be difficult to handle.
So, how do you cope with such holiday stressors and help those around you thrive, rather than just survive, over the festive period?
Acknowledge Your Feelings:
Are you feeling lonely? Are you overwhelmed being around lot of family members? It’s okay and normal to feel sad or stressed during the holiday season. By acknowledging how you are feeling, you can decide how to respond to your feelings.Plan Ahead:
Organizational skills are essential during the holiday season. Plan as much as you can to avoid the last-minute rush. For instance, decide your budget, create a checklist, number of people attending and so on. You do not need to be a perfectionist. Attend to what you can control and collaborate on what everyone can jointly accomplish.Stick to Healthy Habits: Avoid adding stressors to your life during the holidays by prioritizing your established healthy eating and exercise habits.
Embrace Saying No: Saying no and setting boundaries during the festivities will help you maintain positive relationships and protect your values.
Make Time for Yourself: Make sure you prioritize self-care. Go for a walk, read a book, listen to music, or meditate, depending on what works well for you.
During the holiday season, as at other times, balance is essential and moderation is the key. If you feel like you are struggling, it’s important to talk to those around you and reach out for professional help if needed.
DISCLAIMER:
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you or your child are in crisis or experiencing mental health problems please seek the advice of a licensed clinician or call 988 or Kids Link in Rhode Island.
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