Partly Good, Partly Bad: Holiday Stress

Good day everyone, hope you are all doing well? Thanks to all those who made comments on the last post and recommendations as well, I appreciate you. Sadly, this would be the final article for the year. I do hope I have been able to enlighten you in one way or the other J and I do promise to come back with more interesting topics next year. Today I would briefly discuss with you how to possibly reduce the stress associated with holidays. Yeah, you can actually get so stressed out because of the holidays activities and events.

The holiday season is supposed to be a time to relax and have fun, a special time meant to be spent with family and friends as a way to reflect back on the year. However, in reality, the holidays come filled with stress of all varieties. There are obligations from family, friends and sometimes work that all need attention and in the end the holidays may end up feeling more like a burden than a chance to recuperate. 

Are there events to attend, or you are planning to host one? Lots of gifts to prepare? Visiting places, or attending to all the visitors during this period? How about the increased chores to attend to? If you are already answering yes to all these, then you may be needing some help on how to cope better with expectations, demands, and added pressure during the holidays. Below are some tip to put to mind;

Since you know there would be events or activities that would likely increase your stress level, make a decision to take charge and tackle holiday stress. This would mentally prepare you to enjoy the time while facing demands of the season with better endurance.

If there are chores, events, or activities that you can remove from your holiday checklist this year, you may consider eliminating them to thereby reducing your stress. Peoples expectations of you during the holidays too can bring added pressure which can increase stress, you may consider cutting down on that too.

If the holidays are a sad time of year because of difficult memories or because a loved one can’t be there, then develop a personal intervention strategy. Do something else for a good course like volunteering for a local charity or a visit to the orphanage, those who’ve tried it claim it works to lift one’s mood. You’ll feel empowered and more positive, and the experience of helping others anchors you to a memory that lasts.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.

What improves your mood; exercise, positive affirmations, alone time? During the year, have you been promising to do something for yourself, but keep putting it off? Do it. The holiday season is a perfect time to reaffirm your love, not only for those you care about but also for yourself.

Holiday stress affects everyone differently, so suggestions here may not match what’s unique for you. Don’t face the stress alone. Instead, talk to a mental health expert, or a Psychologist. They will help you find the resilience and strength you need to face any challenge the holidays may bring.

THE END

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous Year 2020!!!

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