The #holiday season is in full swing. That typically means shopping, cooking, wrapping, visiting, hosting and any number of additional obligations. You might thrive on this kind of activity, or you might shrink from it — either way, you’re going to feel the #stress.
To defuse stressful feelings, don’t overcommit, says Dr. Kate Truitt. Know your limits and stick to them. Some people thrive with back-to-back-to-back parties, events and errands; others will burn out on that kind of “fun” fast. Keep plans loose to allow room for spontaneity.
Also, let go of external expectations. The idea of a “perfect” holiday is marketing in disguise, Mindful says. You might see a TV personality or social media influencer creating the most amazing holiday table, for example, and feel bad because yours could never measure up.
Dispel any worry about how things “should be,” and concentrate instead on simply being yourself, doing your best and being present. Try to appreciate what you have and avoid any comparison to someone’s airbrushed, stage-managed, Instagrammable version of the #season.
If seeing certain friends and family members brings stress due to personal or ideological differences, experts at Emory University say to set boundaries and focus on areas of connection. Redirect potentially volatile conversations to neutral topics and shared experiences.
If you simply can’t escape the rising tension, take a time-out. Go for a walk. Do some deep-breathing. Employ an exit strategy: “Sometimes, stepping away from a heated conversation is the best option. Use polite excuses like ‘I need to check on something in the kitchen.’”
Finally, never ignore self-care. Prioritizing others’ happiness at the expense of your own can lead to exhaustion and resentment. Remind yourself that you’ve done your level best to meet the season and that is going to have to be enough. Schedule time for your favorite “reset,” whether it’s a spa day, hike or movie night.
If #stress and #anxiety persist and you start to feel hopeless, drained or physically ill, you might benefit from help. Engage a therapist or other support. As Dr. Truitt says, “The best #gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones is the healthiest, happiest version of you.”