Only 7 days left everyone until the “big day”, and for many people, the holidays are more stressful than enjoyable. It’s not just the financial pressure, but social interactions can be at the best of times a strain. Having a busy schedule on top of it can make the holidays feel like more of a drag and we end up missing the point of having a holiday.
How can we ‘create’ a stress-free holiday?
Truly, we won’t be able to have a completely stress-free holiday. Conflict is a natural part of life, just as is harmony. What we can do is change how we think about our interactions, and as a result, the holiday will be easier
Social stress tips to a ‘saner’ you
- Accept what you are about to walk into
- Prepare some “escapes” and a script
- Recognize that you are unique
It’s okay to feel differently about various aspects of the holidays. What you think is special or important, another person in your family might think is “dorky” or “juvenile”. It’s okay to feel emotionally upset or elated – they are your feelings. It’s what makes us unique.
- Take care of your body
Burying yourself in baked goods or alcoholic beverages to get through a stressful event might help in the short-term, but in the long-term causes nausea and regret. Thinking in advance about your personal goals for eating, drinking, and how you want to feel at the end of a night might help to make your choices more moderate and less reactive in the moment.
- Take some deep breaths
Take a few deep breaths! So the turkey went on fire. So what? The rest of the stuffing is there. You will get through this. Deep breathing brings oxygen to the brain and will help to restore calmness.
- Make some time for yourself
Squeeze in a few minutes – there are always a few minutes – just for yourself. Try not to think big about those few minutes, as they can be just walking around the block or even just looking at the lights at this time of year.
I’ll be thinking of all of you this holiday, and hoping that you have a holiday that you can be settled with and know that it will work out just as it should.