Holiday Stress

 

We all feel it coming in one way or another; emotions, expectations, extra school work, and/or money.  Millions of American’s feel what you experience this time of year.  As a counselor, I wish this was not true as the Holidays can be a time of joy, togetherness, and laughter.  So, I challenge you to overcome this stress! 

Coping Tips:

1-      Delegate, and say NO.  Give yourself a break.   A common source of stress during this time is from the stress of doing too much, putting too much on your shoulders, or expecting yourself to do it all.  It is okay to ask for help.  In fact, people find joy in helping during this time of year.  Shift some of that stress by giving others things to do.  Know your limits.

2-      Laugh.  Watch those favorite movies that bring out your carefree side!  Life does not have to be on the go during this time of year.  The sales are not worth the stress.  Sit back and enjoy a board game with your family or a nice toasty fire.  Let your kids learn to bake cookies as you sit back and smile while they burn a few, ice the countertops, and spill sprinkles on the floor.  Spend time with the friends and family that make you feel satisfied and limit the time you spend with those people who do not.

3-      Be yourself.  Enjoy the person you are.  Do not worry about the next door neighbors or the relatives (you know them, “the perfect ones” “the Joneses”).  The key to feeling your best is being the best you!  If you’re not a baker, decorator, or candle stick maker, then do no stress yourself out trying to be.  Great Grandma’s pie, the one you make every year, stress about every year, the one that makes you chew your finger nails off,  let it go…   Enjoy the you that makes you, well you!

4-      Spend what you can afford.  Some of the best gifts come from the heart not the wallet.  Set a budget and stick to it.  If you cannot afford to buy gifts, think of things you can do together that do not cost extra.  A cup of tea, a board game, or a story night.

5-      Do not skip your health.  If you go to the gym, keep it up.  If you do not, go on a walk.  When the weather cools off and the night sky comes up early we find ourselves sitting at home for longer periods of time.  This is not good for any of us.  So head out to the gym, leave your wallet at home and walk the mall, play in the snow with your kids/dog/self, or head to the basement to play table tennis.

Enjoy this holiday season and I dare you to pick one thing to change to make it less stressful for you and your loved ones.

If what I have written above sounds familiar and you feel hopeless, depressed, or alone. If you cannot seem to get past it no matter what you try. Then you may benefit from seeing a counselor.