The holidays can be a stressful time to balance family, work and social engagements. As the holidays approach, you may find your stress or anxiety levels increasing. With thoughtful management, though, you may be able to better cope with the increased demands of the holidays. Here are some tips to help handle holiday stress to better enjoy the season.
Set realistic expectations
While many desire a “perfect” holiday, it’s easy to get lost in the details that can make the holiday stressful. Instead of focusing on small details that can derail everyone’s mood, set reasonable expectations for how the time should go. Be flexible with people, time and minor details. Focus on the things that will help you and others enjoy the season.
Ask for help
A willingness to ask for help in a stressful situation is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed; instead, take a breath and reach out to someone for a helping hand.
Continue your self-care practices
It’s even more important to continue, and possibly increase, self-care during the holidays. Don’t let this busy season rob you of the time your body and mind need to rest and reflect. Exercise, good sleep, meditation and yoga are all ways to take good care of yourself during this stressful time of year.
Connect with others
For most, spending time with family and friends is the hallmark of the holiday season. When you find yourself surrounded by loving family and others in your life, take the time to soak it all in and strengthen those connections. If you can’t see those who are most important to you, find ways to connect with others during the season. Volunteer your time, reach out to old friends or find time to spend with others in your life who may be in a similar situation.
Steer clear of contentious issues
Don’t engage in polarizing topics of conversation. Instead of trying to convince a family member your opinion is better, reminisce about family vacations and the time you spent together.
Handle Holiday Stress
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out for help. Reach the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Access the chat feature (English only): http://988lifeline.org/chat. Find more resources at the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Please take good care of yourself during the upcoming holidays. For more tips and stories from TeamHealth, subscribe to our blog.