The holiday season can bring a lot of unwelcome feelings like stress and depression. You might feel overburdened with all the work, cleaning, shopping, partying, etc. Learn to deal with those with some simple tips.
How to beat holiday stress
- Reach out and share – You might feel like you are the only one who is feeling down and depressed instead of joyous like everybody else. That is not true. Holidays leave a lot of people depressed. Reach out to people and share in the festivities. Do not isolate yourself. If you are mourning a recent event of sadness in your life, the death of a close one, a break-up or separation, there is no need to push yourself just because it is the holiday season.
- Prepare in advance – Doing things at the last minute will always leave you stressed and you will not be able to accomplish anything. Start cleaning and shopping well in advance. Send out invitations and start making calls beforehand. List down all you have to do and prioritize .Take one step at a time and do not rush yourself.
- Prepare your budget – Prepare a budget and stick to it. You do not need to go overboard with any expenses. Gifts cannot buy you happiness and love. People appreciate the value of a gift more if it is thoughtful, not if it is expensive.
- Accept reality – Many people are overwhelmed by nostalgia in the holiday season, how things took place earlier, how old traditions were better. Accept change with welcoming arms. Traditions keep changing so make new ones instead of sticking to the old because people change as well. If you keep comparing the present to the old, you will never be able to set aside the holiday blues.
- Set aside differences – Holidays are a time for cheer and festivities. Set aside all your differences and celebrate being together. Forget that there is some ill-feeling and make amends. Do not expect too much from your family or friends. Make them feel like they belong. If someone is not reaching out, chances are he/she might be reeling under the holiday blues too. Learn to not stress over it and allow them their space.
- Do not rush yourself – You might feel overburdened with all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, calling, etc. It is important to step down sometimes and take some time to breathe. Learn to chill, listen to soothing music and take breaks.
