Coping with Stress during the Holidays – What’s What Wednesday
Coping with Stress during the Holidays
This week Sunshine State Counseling Center is discussing the topic of emotional stress that the holidays can often bring. For many people, holidays are filled with happy and joyous emotions, however, others can be left feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or tense. While stress is necessary for our survival and zest in life, too much of it can have a negative impact on both our mental and physical health.
Here are some tips to help cope with holiday stress:
Understand that some things are out of our control: This can be a tough one for many of us! It is important that we realize that we cannot control the weather, the traffic, or actions of our family members. Instead of fighting against what is out of our control, we can give ourselves permission to let go of the struggle and move forward. This can ultimately lead to less stress and a happier
holiday.
Set Priorities:
Although the holidays are surrounded with fun plans and activities, it is important to pinpoint the ones that offer the most positive impact and eliminate the ones that only add unnecessary stress. For example, in the past, you may have been in charge of the baking, participated in caroling, visited relatives, and sent a family newsletter. Maybe this year try not to put all the
pressure on yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no to the multiple locations you are requested to visit. If your immediate family is the priority, then stick to that. Picking a few important activities or traditions can lighten the load and remove some of the overwhelming stress that multiple activities can cause.
Simplify:
If you are someone that could never fathom the idea of skipping some of your holiday traditions or activities, maybe try to simplify them instead. For example, if you must send a family newsletter, try only sending to your closest friends and family rather than sending to every single friend, neighbor, coworker, etc. Or another option is cutting back on the baking. If you must bake, try having others help in the kitchen or even pick up some of the sides from the grocery store. Hopefully, your friends and/or family is willing to help or is understanding if not everything can be
homemade.
With some planning, positive thinking, and self-care, the holidays can be less stressful and much more
enjoyable. Learning to plan ahead, recognize holiday triggers, and keeping realistic expectations for yourself
and/or family members can give you the peace and joy during the holiday season that so many of us often lose
sight of.
