It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or is it? While the time between Halloween and New Years can be exciting and fun for many people, it can be a time of stress, depression, and anxiety for others. It’s important to understand stressors so that you can begin to manage them, especially during this heightened time of year.
Below are a few tips we reviewed with our staff today. We hope it helps you as well.
First, understand that stress is both internal and external. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type:
So why does the holiday season worsen our stress? Sometimes it’s due to grief. Sometimes it’s because we live in an “either/or” situation or we set excessive expectations of ourselves or others.
Here’s how we can de-stress:
- Acknowledge your feelings. They are real.
- If you’re grieving, let the grief process continue, but be sure to reach out for help. Don’t grieve alone.
- Be realistic.
- Plan ahead.
- Stick to a budget.
- Learn to say no.
- Do less, enjoy more.
- Laugh like crazy!
- Go tech-free during holiday & family events.
- Find 5-10 minutes every day for reflection or meditation
We hope everyone has a wonderful, as-stress-free-as-possible holiday season!