Coping With Holiday Stress
I cannot believe I am saying this, but the holidays are actually HERE. Maybe it’s just me, but wasn’t it just Spring? I know for some of you, the holiday season is your favorite time of the year… but for others, it brings a great amount of stress and sadness. If you’re looking for some tips on coping with holiday stress, read on!
When you think of the holidays, what comes to your mind? What comes to my mind is BUSY. I don’t think I’ve ever just sat in my own home and did what I wanted. Instead, I have to drive to at least four houses to see every family member. Spend at least three hours in their home to show respect and eat several meals. I am getting fatigued just thinking about this! I imagine most of you know what I am talking about. Don’t get me wrong – I adore and love my family, but the holidays are just demanding.
What causes holiday stress?
First of all, yes, holiday stress is a thing. The holidays can bring many stressors from external factors that we typically anticipate throughout the year but have a difficult time managing. The holidays can cause many mechanical stressors with handling commitments; financial stress and fatigue. Additionally, the holidays can bring depression and anxiety. Like stated earlier, the holidays can bring closeness for some, but can also take others on an emotional rollercoaster with either managing high demands, healing from grief, or sadness. An emotional holiday can be on the horizon for those who are longing for a loved one during this meaningful time.
How can we cope with holiday stress?
Managing stress during our “normal” routine can be difficult but managing it during the holiday season makes it even more challenging. How can we make this time easier for ourselves?
- Don’t abandon your healthy lifestyle! We typically gain 7 – 10 pounds during the holiday season that can increase stress and sadness from the weight gain. Sticking to healthy food (a few sweets won’t kill us) and exercising helps our mental health. Overindulging with drinks, food and even spending causes greater stress, especially the after-effects!
- Stick to a budget. Every year, I make a list of people I need to buy for and the price range I want to stay in, but subsequently, I end up impulsively buying last minute. Trust me, I am still learning as well, but sticking to a budget with a deep understanding that gifts do not bring us happiness will decrease our financial stress.
- Set a schedule – writing down plans or our holiday expectations helps us frame out where we need to be. Creating a schedule also helps us prepare travel time AND schedule time for ourselves.
Holiday sadness
This time of year brings a mix of emotions. The holidays can build up expectations (fun parties, laughing, gift exchange) or makes us reminisce disappointing times throughout the year. These emotions and thoughts can develop sadness, withdrawn behavior, irritability or change in eating/sleeping patterns. It is completely normal to experience these emotions when the holiday season holds a heavy expectation on all of us!
If you feel that you are headed or in the middle of a stressful time with managing the holidays, call us today! (630) 797-9192 or click here.
Written by: Coral Pidone, MA, LPC
Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay