The holidays are officially here, which can be an incredible time. However, it can also be a stressful time. I’m no stranger to this, trust me. Holiday stress can come from so many things.
The top stressors that I’ve experienced seen, heard over the years are family, shopping, loneliness, and having too much on your plate at once. Life doesn’t always slow down during the holidays; it only adds to what you already have on your plate.
Finding healthy coping mechanisms is essential during this time of year. It’s easy to resort to numbing tactics such as alcohol, vegging out in from of the TV, and, for those workaholics out there, taking on more hours at work. So I’ve put together a few different ways to deal with holiday stress. These have helped me throughout the years, so I know they will help you.
Coping with Holiday Stress
Symptoms of Stress
Stress can come in many ways, but to cope with them, you have to recognize how it looks and feels. Here are some (but not all) symptoms of stress.
- Heightened anxiety
- Exhaustion
- Shortness of breath
- Jaw clenching
- Headaches
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Depression
1. Talk to Someone
The holiday season is an especially rough time of year. It can increase loneliness, which can lead to depression. It can also increase stress from family, expenses, or whatever may come in your path. I find that talking to a therapist helps.
I’m sure the thought of talking to a therapist sounds incredibly scary, but honestly, it was the best damn decision I’ve made in my life. A therapist won’t fix your problems, but they will help you find tools that will allow you to cope with them.
If you’re having trouble finding a therapist or if you can’t afford one, there are options. Online and messaging therapy, such as TalkSpace, is becoming more prominent in today’s society. I haven’t tried this form of treatment, but it does sound convenient.
Other ways to find affordable therapy would be to check your community resources for free services and local support groups. As always, in an emergency, contact 911.
2. Find Mindfulness
Finding mindfulness is a practice that I’m still working on, but has proven to be effective. Mindfulness can come in many forms, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and being in the moment. Sometimes we’re so focused on things that could happen or the past, and we lose sight of the here and now.
For me, meditation has brought me peace of mind. I’m still working on it, but I use the Headspace app on my phone. Each day, I sit through 10 minutes of guided meditation. It’s not easy, but I’ve found it resets my mind so that I can tackle whatever the day brings. The Calm app is another that will assist with meditation and sleep.
3. Take Some Space
Taking space for yourself is the act of you separating yourself from any stressors for a period of time. By taking space, it allows you to clear your mind and reduce any body aggregators that are associated with stress.
For me, this was the first and easiest coping skill that I put into practice. If tension is getting high, and you feel yourself getting worked up, it might be best that you take some time to get into the right headspace. You can achieve this excusing yourself from a situation.
Common ways to find some space, especially if you’re in a house full of people, is to go for a walk or find a quiet room in the house. The goal is to simply get away to press that reset button.
4. Get Moving
You need to get your body moving. Yes, by having your body move it significantly reduces stress. I’m not telling you to start a new exercise routine, but I’m saying find some form or practice that gets your blood flowing.
I find that taking daily walks helps. Just plug in a book, podcast, or your favorite tunes and get going. Yoga is another low impact (some yoga is low impact) that will help your body move and stretch. Whatever it may be, get moving baby.
Closing Statement
These tips have helped me so much, not only during the holidays, but I put them into practice daily. If trying all three of these coping skills seems overwhelming, try one. If you’re looking for some specific ways to deal with family stress, check out my post (here) to find some more helpful ideas.
Also, I want to give a disclaimer that I’m not a doctor or a therapist. I’m just an everyday gal sharing what works best for me in dealing with holiday stress. Enjoy the holidays and don’t forget to breathe.
Outfit Details: Zara hoodie | A&F denim (similar here) | UO hoops | Reebok sneakers
Photos by Anthea Marette Photography
Any of the brands mentioned above does not sponsor this article. However, some of the links may contain affiliate links which may generate revenue for the site when clicked, or when a purchase occurs. The information in this post is my thoughts and preferences.
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