Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of the year that’s filled with family, friends, and love. For many though, the holidays can bring on extreme stress and/or anxiety, or even trigger bouts of depression. In this post, we will talk about how to deal with the stress that comes with the holidays.
It’s easy to feel stressed during the month of December–trying to plan the perfect menu, figuring out how you’ll make it to all the gatherings, making shopping lists, and waiting in long lines at all the stores.
It’s no wonder we don’t always feel our best around Christmas. Here are a few tips on how to overcome the stress that comes with the holidays:
Plan ahead: Make a list of those you need to buy for, and set a budget. Don’t stress over finding the perfect gift for everyone. Some people will be easy to buy for. Others won’t. For the difficult people, consider giving a gift card at their favorite store or restaurant.
Stay healthy: Usually the first thing to go when we are short on time or stressed out is sleep. It’s important to maintain your normal sleep schedule. It’s key to stick with your workout schedule and healthy diet as well. Of course, there will be lots of delicious treats at the holiday parties (by all means, try some!), but it’s important not to over-indulge.
Ask for help: If you have a partner or older children, give them a list and ask them to go pick up groceries or gifts for your younger children. If you need help in the kitchen, your children and partner can also come in handy. It’s the perfect way to spend more time together as a family.
Take time out for you: Ten minutes alone is enough time to reset your mind, relax, and regain control. Do you enjoy Christmas music? Put some on, make some hot chocolate, go to your room, and wrap some presents. Not only are you getting time alone, but you’re also getting some work done at the same time.
Above all, keep in mind why you celebrate the holiday season. The season should be a special time of the year when you spend time with loved ones and reflect on the blessings that are in your life.
In our next blog post, we will consider different ways to beat the holiday blues. But if you can already feel the stress of the holidays or know that Christmas is a trigger, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact Reka by phone at 402-881-8125, by email at reka@omaha-counseling.com, or via Twitter or Facebook.
