1.
Identify what (or who) causes your stress
During the holiday season, it’s increasingly important to care for ourselves. It’s also critical to set boundaries with the people we love (or don’t).
If spending time with certain members of your extended family is what’s putting knots in your stomach, consider limiting the time you spend together. Instead of forcing yourself to spend time in an uncomfortable setting, set limits for the time you will spend with extended family and shift the focus to your partner, kids, pets or yourself.
2.
Take care of yourself
Self-care is always important and should be a daily habit. That means doing the things you know will make the next day easier—like eating well and getting a good night’s sleep. Exercise (even if it’s just a walk around the block) will help you clear your head and get those good endorphins going.
Watching your alcohol consumption is also important. Although a drink or two (or five) is a traditional part of many holiday celebrations, it’s important to be mindful of the effects alcohol can have on your physical and mental health.
Alcohol tends to worsen anxiety and depression, for instance. It can also interrupt your sleep patterns, leaving you tired the next morning—which is the last thing you need during this busy season.
3.
Scale back on spending if needed
If coming up with the very best (or most expensive) gifts for your family keeps you up at night, talk to them about the goal of the holidays. Certainly, it isn’t solely to get the newest iPhone. Consider minimizing the importance of giving gifts, and focus on family time. Start a new tradition together, like visiting nursing home residents (who may not otherwise receive a single visitor at the holidays).
4.
Practice Intentional Gratitude
Make a habit of telling yourself (or better, writing down) the things in your life for which you are grateful. This is a great way to combat the negative thoughts that sneak into our minds. Every single thing counts. If you are in good health, have a warm place to sleep at night, a person who cares about you, healthy kids, maybe you got an extra 10 minutes of sleep one morning…whatever it is, acknowledge it. When you find yourself overwhelmed about something, simply start listing these things off in your head. It helps to shift your focus, and your attitude.
5.
Reach out for help if needed
Sometimes “stress” isn’t just stress. Feelings of pressure and irritability can also be symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD or another problem.
If you think what you’re feeling could be something more than the holiday blues, contact your Wellness Coach at 304-972-5486, who can refer you to a mental health professional.
