How to Cope with the Holiday Season
The holidays can be a combination of joy and stress for many people. It is okay to feel a wide range of emotions. The holidays can be a stressful time of the year with high expectations and anxiety. Here are some tips to make the holidays more manageable:
Prioritize Self-care:
● Remember to take care of both your mental and physical health is critical. Sleep enough, eat well, and engage in activities that encourage wellness.
● Adequate Sleep: try to get enough sleep and rest throughout the day. Take breaks when needed.
● Set realistic expectations. Check in with yourself regularly.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:
● Explore and implement relaxation techniques into your daily routine. This could include progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, mindful nature walks, and guided meditation.
● Participate in guided mediation. Many guided meditations can be found on YouTube.
● Listening to music helps soothe the body and mind.
● Practice gratitude. At the end of the evening or the start of your day write down 3 things that you are grateful for.
Establish Boundaries:
● Acknowledge when boundaries need to be set and remember that you can only control your role.
● If needed, modify, or skip traditions if they contribute to stress. Focus on what brings you joy and excitement. Say no if it is too much!
Hobbies and Activities:
● Participate and partake in enjoyable activities. This varies among individuals but can include activities like painting, drawing, playing games, walking, reading, and exercising.
Incorporate Movement:
● Get up and move! This could consist of going for a walk, running, going to the gym, and more! You know what works best for you.
● Mindful walking- implementing a mindful walk into your routine can be used to help de-stressing and re-energizing.
Find Support
● Reach out to a professional if needed. If you find yourself struggling to cope during the holidays, seek out professional support.
● Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support.