The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration- but for many, it’s also tis-the-season of stress. The pressure of hosting gatherings, attending family and friend events, and buying the perfect gift can turn holiday cheer into holiday fear.
With that said, our team of therapists have put together a list of recommendations to help you manage your stress with some mindful practices, to ensure your holiday remains merry all season long.
- Prioritize Self-Care: The hustle of the holiday season can leave little time for yourself. Prioritize moments of self-care each day, whether it’s a walk, a few pages in your current read, or a short yoga practice. Give yourself the gift of love! If you have other self care strategies you recommend, let us know!
- Plan Ahead: The holiday season sneaks up on us faster than anticipated, and procrastination can increase stress. Make a checklist of tasks that need to be done, and budget gifts for those you wish to buy for (pro tip: shop early to avoid mall chaos!). Plan meals ahead if you plan to feed others, and ask for those around you to help with the cooking.
- Learn to say “no”: With holiday festivities emerging, it is tempting to make it to every event. However, overcommitting can lead to burnout. Don’t be afraid to kindly decline invites, and propose a time to see each other in the new year if desired. Protect your time and energy by saying no; it is an act of self-respect, not selfishness.
- Connect, Don’t Compare: Scrolling through social media and watching holiday movies filled with seemingly perfect celebrations can be triggering. Instead of comparing, focus on the connections around you that are meaningful. Call friends and family, decorate or bake with a loved one, or simply spend quality time together.
- Consider Professional Support, Such as our Stress Management Therapists: The holidays can magnify underlying stress. Therapy can be a valuable resource for talking through long term stressors and developing healthy coping strategies. If the holiday season feels heavier than usual, reach out to us at Marwil & Associates, Inc. for help in managing stress through therapy.
Trying to incorporate these steps, or other stress management strategies into your day-to-day life will help ensure your holiday season is as stress-free and as joyous as possible!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed tackling these on your own, we are here to help. Click the button at the top of this article to schedule a session with us and partner in creating a personalized stress-management plan that will address your unique needs!
Cheers to a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!