The holidays can be an amazingly stressful time of year! Between shopping, decorating, and dealing with that one miserable aunt who wants to share the misery with the family. It can be difficult to deal with! Talk about stress! Here are some helpful tips I've given my clients to help them survive the stress!
1. Pay Attention: This time of year can be difficult for some people whether it is seasonal depression, social anxiety in the malls or dealing with the loss of a loved one. Everyone is on edge. Pay attention to the feelings that are coming up for you. Recognition is the first step in resolution of the problem.
2. Take Care of Yourself: Make sure you are not putting your health on the back burner. Don't neglect you workouts or nature walks to tackle your to do list. Holiday tasks will get done another day but your health is forever. Don't skip meals or sleep. This is how our body is fueled and restores itself and are key to health and wellness.
3. Prioritize You time: Take some time aside for yourself. Whether it is to get a massage, read a book, take a bath or have a coffee on your porch. Take the time to unwind from the stressful days.
4. Set a Budget: Don't let financial stress become one of your stressors. Set a realistic budget for your holiday shopping and activities. Overextending yourself financially will lead to additional stress that carries over into the new year. Buy a thoughtful gift that is reasonable for you!
5. Be Selective: Just because your best friend, cousin, wife and children invite you to a work, school or other holiday function doesn't mean you HAVE to attend. Be selective and go to the parties you want to the most. After all they are suppose to be fun not stressful. "No" is not an evil word! It must be used when your schedule is becoming unrealistic.
6. Have an Escape Plan: If you want to leave the gathering at a specific time, know your escape plan or let the host know if advance you can only attend for a little bit. Additionally, if you have that family member you can't deal with, have a way you will relax while around them, assign yourself to a task away from where they are or go for a walk. If family ask some difficult questions you don't want to be answer, have a prepared response before the holiday get together.
7. Let it out: In a healthy way! Express your frustration and gets come relief through crying, dancing, singing, laughing, ripping up wrapping paper, or journaling. Instead of screaming at people or instigating a family feud.
8. Breath: Try deep breathing to help with anxiety through guided imagery, meditation, yoga or counting to 10. All of which can be found on youtube.
9. Get Extra Support: Identify those people you know you can talk to about anything and reacg out for support when you need it. If you need some more professional feedback seek counseling with a therapist.
10. Enjoy yourself: That is the goal after all! To have a wonderful holiday season. Slow down and take the time to be in the moment and savor all the hard work you have put it. Watch your children's faces as they open their favorite gift. Enjoy every bit of grandma's apple pie.Admire the sparkling lights on the tree. Practice gratitude for all you have this year!
Happy Holidays,
Fit Therapist
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