Holiday Stress

It's time for the holidays and for many it is also homecoming. Not the homecoming where you return to your former high school or college where you are an alumnus, but instead an actual homecoming. This can be a time of much enjoyment with seeing all your family members however it can also be a time of much stress as well between traveling, getting gifts, and even reconnecting with family and friends. With this in mind I wanted to write a post about how to handle some of the stressors you may face this holiday season.

I think one of the biggest things you can do to reduce your stress during the holidays is do some compassion work; this is something I have to practice in therapy with clients in order for me to understand their emotions and where they are coming from. I do this by wearing something on my wrist like a watch or band which reminds to really try to understand where the client is coming from instead harboring negative emotions or a dismissive attitude toward them. According to the Dalai Lama, this first step to increasing your compassion is to remove and evaluate your anger and hatred as it is difficult to have compassion when those are present. A simple reminder to be compassionate with your friends and/or family may assist you this season with not only maintaining your sanity but also have smoother interactions as well. 

Recognize your vulnerabilities and plan accordingly. If you know that you need a cup of coffee in the morning to function, make sure you get that cup of coffee. If you hate shopping and large crowds, get your shopping completed before Christmas Eve. If your friends and family have different political or personal philosophies, devise a way to handle these conversations. Reduce the likelihood of becoming stressed by planning in advance for your vulnerabilities being exploited.

Maintain your self-care. Often for the holidays we are traveling and tend to abandon our self-care rituals like good sleep hygiene, exercising, or engaging in our valued hobbies. Remember that it is ok to take a breather and recharge your physical, emotional, and mental batteries (American Psychological Association, 2012). Here is a list of self-care activities to incorporate this holiday season.

Beyoncé

Be realistic in your expectations about how the holidays are going to transpire and be flexible. Everyone tries to be the superhero or Beyoncé during the holidays but remember you don't have to be. A slight deviation from the plans or family traditions does not ruin the entire holiday (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Lastly, remember why you are there. You are there to enjoy the company of your family and friends.

What are your tips to make it through the holiday season? Comment below.

-BB