It’s the 2019 Holiday season, and this time of year can bring to the surface all types of emotions. Many of us feel like we ride a roller coaster from Halloween until the New Year.
The business of the holiday hustle and bustle can be enough to bring on anxiety symptoms. Other times, we find ourselves not able to meet expectations of our own, expectations of our loved ones, or societal expectations; this can impact our esteem. Sometimes the holiday season brings on symptoms of depression, and we trudge through the holly jolly festivities. We remember the loved ones that were such a part of our holiday traditions, but sometimes we feel selfish, guilty, or unwilling to move beyond just memories. Others may remember unwanted experiences that they try to snuff down as they receive constant reminders through holiday triggers.
Here are a few ideas to help reduce some of the stress you may experience during the holidays this year:
1. Take care of you. You have enough on your plate, and if you don’t take care, that plate gets too heavy! What are things you enjoy and how can you prioritize the time during the holidays to do those enjoyable things? Do you need to go to bed a little later to enjoy that bubble bath on Monday night? Can you wake thirty minutes early to practice mindfulness before everyone else is up? Can you use guided meditation on audio or listen to a devotional on the drive to work? Can you walk during lunch?
2. Stay healthy but forgive yourself if/when you slip up. Yes, this is very difficult this time of year. However, eating the right foods, getting adequate sleep, and physical activity are important. If you have to spend a little time on the weekend to prep and pack meals or spend your lunch break eating and exercising, it may be worth it, especially this time of year. Try using chamomile teas, essential oils, warm baths, and even melatonin when advised by a doctor to cut off the brain and get some Z’s. With holiday meals, you might mess up the good eating habits you have established, but realize you are human. Don’t throw in the towel just yet; keep focusing on positive change.
3. Realize what the holidays mean to you. What are the important aspects of the traditions you have? Are there things you do that don’t align with your values? What can you do to reduce conflict and gain more peace through the holidays? Are there things you do out of obligation that you truly can say no to in order to reduce drama or just because you need the freedom? Focus on what’s most important.
4. Seek professional help if and when things get tough. Don’t be ashamed to reach out for professional help or feel like you are a failure, because many people benefit from counseling. In fact, many counselors/therapists themselves have benefited from counseling services at some point. You don’t have to hide emotions, troubles, or challenging aspects of your life. Seeking help isn’t selfish, weak, or just for those with high income. Reaching out for help and attending counseling is a sign that you care not only about yourself but also the others that are cared for by you in your life.