With the holidays right around the corner, it’s natural to feel both excited and stressed. Combine our own range of emotions with our loved ones’ styles of holiday coping, and it can get complicated! Whether we’re seeing family we haven’t seen in a while, preparing for questions we may be asked, worrying about family conflict, or simply feeling the strain of finances during this busy time of the year – the holidays can be stressful! The recent election adds another layer of potential family conflict and worry.
Try these tips to help make the most of the holiday season and manage common sources of holiday stress.
Set Boundaries
While hosting or attending family events around the holidays, we may find ourselves straining to accommodate others, but boundaries are important during the holidays – just as they are throughout the year. If you’re worried about certain questions, budgets, or time spent at events, listen to yourself and set boundaries.
And, listen to those you partner with and care for. Some of us may be more introverted and may be exhausted by the social demands – while others in our circle may thrive on the activities and connections of the busy holidays. Think about how you can accommodate the different styles and needs of yourself, your partner, and your kids.
Does being around family for more than a certain period of time start to get overwhelming? Keep a time in mind that works for you and set an exit strategy should you or anyone in your party feel uncomfortable. Set a limit for spending or for responses to give during questions. You do not have to attend every single event or overbook yourself either!
Take a Moment to Breathe and Get Grounded
Are you already in the thick of it and experiencing full blown stress? Take a moment to decompress and do something for yourself.
If you – or a family member – is feeling stressed while at an event, try using these techniques to help feel calm:
Box Breathing
– Inhale for 4 seconds.
– Hold for 4 seconds.
– Exhale for 4 seconds.
– Hold for 4 seconds.
– Repeat until you feel regulated.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Look around your environment and find: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
Rainbow Grounding
Look around your environment to find the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Remember the Reason for Holidays
If a lot of stress is coming from the demands of gifts and spending, try to remind yourself of the nature of the holidays. This season offers a great opportunity to make time for family and friends.
Focus on the shared activities and memories being created rather than the physical items received. Is there anyone you are excited to connect with during this time?
Talk to Others
It’s likely others around you are feeling the stress of the holidays as well.
Talk to a friend or loved one about how you’re feeling and let off some steam.
It can be difficult to juggle holiday demands, back-to-back. Keep in mind, it’s a short season and then schedules will return to a familiar routine.
During this season, do things you enjoy. Spend time in nature, watch your favorite show, have a spa night – take care of YOU. And encourage those you love to find ways to take care of themselves as well!
