Do you feel stressed out and overwhelmed during the Holidays? Are you looking for something to help lessen your stress this Holiday Season?
For some of us this time of year brings excitement, anticipation and joy. For others, the Holidays bring about feelings of sadness, loss and/or loneliness. We can feel overwhelmed by all the things to do. Most of us feel a mix of all these emotions.
Often the Holiday Season is a time when everything in our lives seems to speed up. There seems to be more to “get done”. Consequently life becomes more pressured and stressful.
As we head into this busy season, here are just a few things that may help decrease feeling so stressed:
- Acknowledge and express your emotions. As I just mentioned, many feelings can surface during the Holidays. Just knowing that this is common, may be helpful. Choosing healthy ways to deal with emotions is key. Try to practicing all those things you have probably heard before-eating and drinking sensibly, exercising regularly, balancing activity and rest, talking and asking for support if you need it, practicing deep relaxation.
- Practice appreciation. This is what I talked about in my last post. Remember to pause frequently and think about something or someone you appreciate. It improves well-being and changes your reaction to stress.
- Pace yourself and avoid over-committing. Practice saying “No”. Prioritize. Reflect on what is really important to you. Make decisions around your priorities. Let go of the rest.
- Be aware of your signs/symptoms of too much stress. How does your body respond to stress? Listen. Become more aware. Are you experiencing more jaw pain or headaches? Perhaps you have difficulty sleeping and anxiety. The awareness of how your body and mind react to stress, gives you important information. Listen and honor what your body is telling you- make a decision to slow down, breathe, practice better self-care and implement some new stress management strategies.
- Manage your expectations. Be realistic. Let go of outcomes. Striving for perfection can be a set up for feelings of failure and disappointment.
- What is really important? Think about what the Holiday Season means for you. What is really important to you during this time of year? Keep this in mind everyday and experience the Holidays from this perspective.
- Be present. Practice mindfulness. Whatever you are doing, do it fully. Yes, even when you are stuck in traffic, Breathe, notice and feel something positive. Try not to worry about what you need to do next or what you did yesterday. Bring yourself into the moment of now. Be present with an observer’s mind. Try to let go of judgment or criticism and just be.
- Relax and Breathe more. As you are doing each activity this month, just breathe and relax your jaw and shoulders. Be present to what you are doing right now and breathe.
Hopefully these suggestions will bring you more peace and joy throughout this season and into the future.
That is my wish for you: Peace and Joy!
Take care,
Kate
