Manage Holiday Stress With These 5 Tips

If you are one of those people who experience sadness during the holiday season, please know that you are NOT alone. In fact, many people suffer from holiday depression. Between the extra stress, pocketbook demands, and sentimental memories, it’s no wonder the holidays are a cause of anxiety and depression for many.

If you are one of these people, then you know how frustrating it can be to feel to be upset during a season when everyone is feeling warmth and joy. You know the many issues this can cause to your family and if you have kids, the pressure to be happy and present is even more prevalent for you. Here are some tips to manage your stress and help you enjoy a more meaningful holiday season.  

5 Tips to Help Manage Your Holiday Stress:

Take Time For Yourself: This does not mean hide yourself away or become isolated. This simply means to take some extra time to recharge from all the holiday stimulation. This means doing something you enjoy. Watch movies, write in your journal, go out with friends. Whatever your thing is, make sure you take the time to do it.

Avoid Too Much Alcohol or Self Medication: If you like to drink and suffer from holiday depression, beware you don’t go down the rabbit hole. Alcohol is a depressant and will increase your feelings of depression and anxiety. Instead, try drinking festive drinks that do not include alcohol. Work on being present in the moment rather than trying to avoid it.

Get Out For a Walk: Exercise is a great method of combatting depression of any kind; but, there’s something unique and almost surreal about walking during times of reflection and sentiment. It’s a great time for thinking, it’s a natural mood booster and releases happy endorphins into your brain.

Don’t Take on Too Much: Just because someone asks you for something doesn’t mean you have to do it. Good news for you, you don’t have to go to every holiday party you are invited to. You don’t have to give a gift to every person who gives to you. You can only take on what you can take on and there is no shame in that. Be careful not to take on too much stress and focus on the things you take the most joy in.

Let Go of the Demands of Others: That brings us to our next topic. Let go of the demands of other people. The holiday has turned into a selfish holiday for many people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you can let go of the demands of others, and self-demands for that matter, then you are on your way to holiday freedom.

Aside from these Five tips, you might find it helpful to give to those in need this holiday. Consider volunteering your time, donating to those who are in need, or simply reach out to a friend. Take advantage of the season and challenge yourself to open your heart to new possibilities this year.  Wishing you love. 

©Love Wide Open

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