Posted November 25th, 2015
By Kris Powers
The holidays, while often a joyful time, can be a source of stress for many, and can bring on feelings of depression and even loneliness for others.
Below are some tips to help make the holidays a little easier.
Do something good for others
The holiday season offers many opportunities to focus on others. Make a donation of money or time to your favorite charity, take a meal to a family who may need one, shovel someone’s driveway, etc.
Laugh
Individuals with a sense of humor tend to have a higher self-esteem. They are also more likely to develop close, social relationships, which can help them deal with stress. Laughing can reduce muscle tension, increase the flow of oxygen to the blood, exercise the heart, and produce endorphins (naturally produced body chemicals that increase a sense of well-being and euphoria).
Say No
Rather than trying to do it all, focus on the most important activities and tasks. It’s better to do a few things well and be in the moment rather than to simply go through the motions and do everything poorly.
Make yourself a priority
Make sure that in the craziness of the season, you don’t neglect yourself. Eat well, exercise often and sleep on a regular schedule. Taking care of yourself is important during these busy times.
Eat with moderation
Go ahead and enjoy the fantastic foods of the season. However, don’t use the holidays as an excuse for overeating. Look at your eating over the course of the holiday period and try to balance the days of heavy meals with days consisting of more sensible meals.
Avoid alcohol
Holiday celebrations and alcohol seem to go hand-in-hand for many. Alcohol consumption can be problematic for some (including those who don’t drink often as well as those who may have alcohol abuse issues), so it’s best to abstain completely. Bring a favorite non-alcoholic beverage with you to enjoy while you mingle. If you feel that you have to explain why you aren’t imbibing, it’s okay to have a few reasons on hand such as, “I’m the designated driver tonight” or “I’m taking medication.”
Exercise
Try to treat exercise as a non-negotiable appointment. Exercise is not only a great way to compensate for the extra calories that you have consumed but it is also a great stress buster.
Sleep
Sleep allows our bodies to repair and refresh, and prepare for the coming day. One of the fastest ways to run yourself into the ground is to cut back on your sleep during the holidays. Try to maintain relatively consistent waking and “going to bed” times.
Pretend you are a kid again
What activities kindled feelings of excitement and joy in the season when you were a child? Go sledding, decorate some cookies, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, watch a favorite holiday movie, turn on some seasonal music, watch old family videos, etc. Rituals are a way to connect with our past and to make us happy.
Plan a time out when stress strikes
Tune into your feelings and be honest with yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed and your stress level is sky-high, give yourself a time out. Before an outing or event, have an escape route and plan in mind in case the need arises. And don’t be afraid to use it! Again, caring for ourselves is key to making the holidays happy, healthy and enjoyable.
Sources:
https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/maintaining-mental-health-during-the-holidays/
http://psychcentral.com/holidays/
