Coping with Holiday Stress
So it’s the holiday season once again! This may bring some fun and festivity, but it usually means stress as well. Many of us will begin losing our patience and good cheer. Some of us are also dealing with change, loss, challenging family situations or health challenges. We may feel pressure to shop, decorate, entertain, and feel merry.
If you tend to get a little stressed over the holidays, here are some tips to help you stay cool, calm, and collected and find some happy in the midst of it all.
Accept Flaws
Nothing and no one is perfect. No matter how hard you try to have “the perfect holidays,” it’s simply not going to happen. Accept imperfections, embrace reality, and just focus on enjoying the small things and connecting with friends and family
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
When faced with frustrations and imperfections, try accepting these as just part of life and remind yourself that it’s not an emergency. Notice your inner dialogue. Instead of “Oh no!” try saying “So What?” or “Oh Well”.
My family is difficult… So what?
That comment was snippy…. Oh well?
I made a mistake…So what?
Be Kind
Most of the people you will come in contact with will be stressed out as well. And some people feel very sad and depressed around the holidays because of loss and other trauma. Since you can’t know what’s in other people’s hearts and minds, and you can’t control other people’s actions, focus on controlling your own and show kindness. You’ll be surprised how you can touch another’s heart and change their attitude with just a smile or thoughtful act.
Practice Self-Care
Often, when we feel stressed, our good habits go right out the window! Why eat healthy when you can have holiday cake, cookies and pie? But unhealthy foods, too much alcohol and not enough sleep will only exacerbate the situation. So be sure to treat yourself well and take care of your health during this time.
Look for the Good
Yes, there will be some stress, not enough time, ups and downs etc. There are so many things we can’t control, especially other people. AND we can still strive to be mindful and notice the good. Look for the small, simple things. Find moments of calm and beauty.
Go with the Flow
Holidays are a great time to ‘go with the flow’. Instead of fighting the current, pause and take a deep breath. Notice your feelings and needs and consider how you can take care of yourself.
Speak with Someone
If you are having a hard time dealing with stress, it’s a good idea to talk with someone. This could be a friend, family member, clergy, or therapist. Often, just having someone else hear us and validate our feelings can help relieve stress.
If you’d like to speak to someone, please get in touch with me. I’d love to help you de-stress so you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday season.
Articles
https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/20/health/mind-body-holiday-stress-tips-santas/index.html
Six mind-body tips for less holiday stress | CNN
Editor’s Note: Dana Santas is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and experienced registered yoga teacher known as the Mobility Maker.Author of the book “Practical Solutions for …
www.cnn.com
Easy Tips For Creating Moments Of Calm Amidst The Holiday Chaos
Just the same, this shift in pace—stepping out again, making plans outside of the virtual world, and getting back to the old holiday groove—can also be a cause for anxiety and stress. Here are a few practical and useful tips for easing into the the holiday frenzy.
www.forbes.com
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/winter-holiday-mental-health-tips
How To Protect Your Mental Health This Holiday Season, From A Psychiatrist
This year may look a bit different, but these tools will help you manage.
www.mindbodygreen.com
Additional Sources:
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-path-passionate-happiness/202106/how-reduce-your-pre-holiday-stress
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/4-mindful-tips-to-destress-this-holiday-season
Quotes & Inspiration
• “For fast-acting relief try slowing down.” – Lily Tomlin
• The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. –Anna Quindlen
• “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” — Kurt Vonnegut
25 Holiday Traditions to Start This Year – PureWow
Holiday Events in Kansas City | Visit KC
0 Comments