Holiday Stress

Holidays are approaching and many people are experiencing a slow increase in stress.

Here are a few ways to help yourself feel better and less frazzled during this busy time:

1.  Increase exercise.  Add 5 minutes to your normal work-out.  Take the stairs.  Stretch for 30 seconds. Spend two minutes deep breathing.

2.  Reduce the number of holiday gatherings you attend.  This can be a difficult action to take, but it will yield dividends in greater space in your schedule for relaxation and inner peace. 

3.  Re-consider your expectations.  Literally writing down your expectations for the major upcoming holidays will demonstrate to you just how much pressure you (and other people around you) may be putting on yourself.  And guess what?  That pressure is (mostly) PREVENTABLE.  If you are an adult, then you are in control of your schedule and what you do and do not agree to do.  You can reduce your expectations of yourself and others, and save so much time and stress.  Think "reasonable" expectations.  If you are an introvert, it is not reasonable to host a holiday gathering at your place and invite more than 70 people, especially when you are the parent of three kids ages 12 and under, and two of those said kids are on the autism spectrum and have severe ADHD.  And you make all the food yourself, including dozens of homemade gingerbread cookies. (Ask me how I know.)

4.  Schedule a check-in with your therapist or counselor for extra guidance, support, advice, and tools to help you navigate the holidays with lowered stress and more peace.

Now that's something to celebrate!

Teresa

Teresa Heald LCSW, MSW, ASDCS