The holiday season can be filled with wonder and stress, but what if I told you it doesn’t have to be filled with both? There is a way to manage stress and make it minimal during the holiday season so that we can enjoy the magic of the holidays. The stress can start as early as Thanksgiving and run through the New Year. It is time to look at how we can thrive through the festive season. Read on for more information.
Holiday triggers are created by internal and external forces influencing our mind and body, creating stress and anxiety during the holiday season. Becoming aware of common holiday triggers and learning ways to cope with holiday stress can help you thrive.
Holiday Triggers:
- Increased expectations of family: Who will cook, where will we go, and avoiding all the heated political conversations that come with family gatherings.
- Financial strain: Wanting to create the perfect holiday experience comes with a price tag that affects our finances often into the New Year.
- Time management concerns: Balancing time off, spending time with friends and family, multiple gatherings on the same day, and additional commitments is more challenging than ever this time of year. Some families attend three meals in one day just to appease families.
- Eating concerns: For those with any kind of negative relationship with food the holiday focus on food is triggering.
Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress:
- Connect with those you trust and are comfortable with. A support system is always important, especially this time of year.
- Practice empathy and compassion for yourself and others. Give yourself grace when you need it, remember everyone has their own struggles.
- Set firm boundaries and expectations with family and friends early. Ask yourself: How far are you willing to travel, how many events do you want to attend? Communicate that early on and stick with it.
- What is the top priority? Is it having your kids wake up in their own bed on Christmas day? Then do not be afraid to say no to family events that may interfere with that top priority. If you feel comfortable invite family to your home. If not kindly say “thanks, but we have plans”.
- Set a schedule for shopping, cooking, and holiday activities. Making a to-do list helps visualize and manage your time.
- Continue healthy habits. It is good to enjoy holiday foods, remember to keep your physical health a priority.
- Create a holiday spending plan.
Things to remember:
- Be kind to yourself this holiday.
- Practice self-compassion.
- Spend time with your favorite people, books, hobbies, and movies.
- Say “no” to anything that does not make you happier.
Have a wonderful stress-free holiday!
Connect with local professionals who care. Reach out to Trinity Health Systems Twin City today to learn more about services designed to keep you and your family healthy! Phone: (740) 922-2800