Welcome to the ‘December’ holiday season! This time of year can bring opportunities for fun and joy. But for many of us the bundle of events from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day raises our stress to uncomfortable, even unhealthy levels.
Holiday season stress triggers vary from one individual to another. Some of the more common situations might include:
Gift shopping pressure, shortages, budget challenges, inflation ·
Traveling to holiday destinations
Loneliness, spending holidays away from those you love
Obligations to plan/host parties and get-togethers
Social pressure to overindulge in food and drink
Conflicts with family members
When I work with a client on managing stress, we focus on their particular situation and triggers. However, I teach every stress management client about the three core coping strategies that everyone can use.
1. Take a moment and think about what is important to you during the holidays. What makes the holidays the most meaningful? Is it finding the perfect present, appreciating the spiritual meaning of the holiday for you, cooking gifts for family and friends, or celebrating being together with your family? Whatever you decide, make this your focus. You may want to sit down with family and friends and let them know what your focus will be this holiday if it is different than usual.
2. Practice self-care. Plan time in your schedule for a massage, bubble bath or simply relaxing. Find a like-minded friend to do something special with.
3. Ask for help. If you are overwhelmed because you are the designated host for events, include others in the planning process and encourage them to volunteer to help decorate, cook, clean-up, wrap presents, etc. They will enjoy being asked to participate.
If you keep an Affirmations Journal as part of your daily practice, you may also want to add some holiday season specific affirmations. Here are some samples to consider:
I plan and focus on what is important to me this holiday
I take care of myself by communicating my needs to others
I willingly ask for and accept help
For more information about how to cope with holiday season stress, please give me a call (818-929-4944) to schedule a free consultation or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A. You can register here..
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Cinda
HypnoNews and Resources
Dr. Haqqani talks more about how holiday stress can affect us:
From the Heart Association, more ideas for coping: