Strategies to manage stress during the holidays
Christmas is the busiest time of the year for psychologists. Dealing with holiday stress can be challenging as holidays often come with a mix of expectations, obligations, and personal desires. Here are some strategies to help manage stress during these times:
Set Realistic Expectations: Remember that it's okay not to have a "perfect" holiday. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. This may involve setting boundaries with family and friends or adjusting traditions to better suit your current situation.
Plan Ahead: Organize your tasks and schedule in advance. This includes shopping, cooking, and social gatherings. Planning ahead can help prevent last-minute rushes and reduce anxiety.
Budget Wisely: Financial stress is common during the holidays. Create a budget for gifts, food, and travel, and try to stick to it. Remember that meaningful experiences and quality time often outweigh material gifts.
Delegate Responsibilities: You don't have to do everything yourself. Share responsibilities with family members or friends. Delegating tasks can help reduce your workload and involve others in holiday preparations.
Take Time for Yourself: Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s important to have some downtime. Engage in activities you enjoy and that relax you, whether it's reading, taking a walk, practicing yoga, or just having some quiet time.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity is a great way to manage stress. Even a short daily walk can make a significant difference in how you feel.
Eat Healthily and Moderately: While it's tempting to overindulge, try to maintain a balanced diet. Eating well can help maintain your energy levels and mood.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These substances can exacerbate stress and anxiety and can affect your mood and sleep.
Connect with Others: Share your feelings with family and friends. Sometimes just talking about what you are experiencing can be a big relief.
Say No When Needed: It’s okay to turn down invitations or activities that don’t fit into your schedule or budget. Overcommitting can lead to more stress.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can be very effective in managing stress.
Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If you find your stress is too much to handle, consider talking to a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to manage stress and deal with difficult emotions.
Remember, 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. The most important thing is to find ways to enjoy the holidays that are most meaningful to you.
About Dr. Kellie
Dr. Kellie Hadden completed her Ph.D. in 2002, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan. She has been a professor in the Department of Psychology, at Memorial University, since 2001. She has been the Director of Clinical Training for the PsyD program and is actively involved in training clinical psychologists. Dr. Hadden is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience helping people resolve mental health barriers to a meaningful life.
Dr. Hadden is passionate about helping people understand themselves and learn coping mechanisms to manage critical thoughts and overwhelming emotions. Do you ever wonder why you do the things you do that undermine your relationships and happiness? Dr. Hadden can help you understand why you repeat patterns that keep you stuck and unable to move forward to a healthy life. She will teach you ways to cope differently with your challenges, break free from the past and chart a new course for the future.
