THE HOLIDAY SEASON is fast approaching and while the season can be a magical time of the year, for some the holidays are a trigger for stress, exhaustion, anxiety and depression. Learning to set boundaries and have a strategy in place to get through the holidays is the key to keeping yourself healthy and sane.
BE PROACTIVE
Before you rush out to begin frantic days of holiday shopping, take a few minutes to stop and reflect on years past. Are you always rushing to buy last minute gifts? Do you dread visiting certain family members but torture yourself spending time with them because it’s “the holidays?” Do you wake up frantic worrying about finances and the expectations of your family members?
Take some time to think about how you can change your approach and come up with a holiday strategy that leaves you feeling more in control and clear headed.
Take the time you need to think about what matters most to you and your family during the season and take action steps to honor your vision of a peaceful enjoyable holiday.
COVER THE BASICS
It is no coincidence that during the holidays I see a major increase in referrals and receive many calls from clients “in crisis.” In order to feel clear-headed, rested and enjoy our day-to-day lives, we have to honor the basics of self-care.
Good sleep, healthy nutrition, exercise and spending time with close friends and family are the basics to looking and feeling great. The basics are the first thing to go when we feel stressed and overwhelmed. Don’t abandon your day-to-day routine to accommodate a few days of holiday celebrations.
Take the time you need to plug in and refresh so that you avoid entering the New Year exhausted mentally and physically.
Know what recharges your batteries and make a commitment to honor your self-care plan daily.
It only takes a few days of neglect to feel the affects of stress and anxiety. Safeguard yourself from the holiday hangover by taking small steps daily to refresh and recharge.
SAY NO
The holiday season brings endless opportunities to socialize and get together. Don’t put pressure on yourself to attend every invitation you receive. Take the time you need to sort out your schedule and attend the gatherings that work best for you. If you have to attend the office holiday party but are dreading an evening with colleagues, make a plan to go for a short time and have an exit strategy in place. Don’t put yourself in situations with people that will drain your energy and cause you to feel uncomfortable.
Say no when you need to and attend gatherings that will be fun and lift your spirits.
TELL THE TRUTH
The holidays are all about spending time with family and the people we love. Unfortunately, for many, the holidays can be a trigger for negative feelings that may lead to a downward spiral of major depression.
If you grew up in a dysfunctional family, the holidays may represent chaos, insecurity, loss and feelings of hopelessness. Likewise, if you are going through a divorce, the holidays can bring on paralyzing fear and dread. Many of us plow through these uncomfortable feelings and put on our survival suits just hoping to make it through the season.
Be real about any feelings of depression that may creep into your heart and talk it out with a spouse, friend or therapist. Do not avoid or minimize your feelings if you are struggling and feeling blue.
If we never stop to acknowledge a traumatic time in our lives we never allow ourselves to heal and move forward to emotional and spiritual health.
If there are certain family members that can be a trigger for depression and anxiety, be honest with yourself about these triggers and do what you need to do to feel healthy.
Don’t be bullied into putting yourself in a situation that will cause you emotional distress. Your peace of mind and sense of security is far more important than someone’s reaction to it.
Anytime you override your peace of mind to accommodate someone else, you are putting someone else’s agenda and comfort ahead of your own.
Be real about what your triggers are and take the steps you need to honor your well-being.
Self care is not being selfish, it’s about making your health and well being a priority in EVERY season.
As we get ready to enter the holiday season in full swing, take a deep breath, stick to the basics, have a strategy in place and ENJOY! Let the joy, peace and fun that the season brings lift your spirit and bring light into your heart!
WISHING YOU A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!
Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
