For many people, the holidays are a time for joy, festivities, and making memories with friends and family. However, the season can also trigger an array of uncomfortable emotions, ranging from stress and burnout to loneliness and depression.
If you’re finding it challenging to feel the joy this holiday season, here are a few tips:
- Be selective with planning activities, focusing on those that are most important to you. From endless parties to travel plans, a packed schedule is a common cause of holiday season stress. This year, think about the people you’d most like to spend time with and the activities that are most important to you, and make them priorities in your schedule giving yourself permission to decline other opportunities.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. During the holidays, it’s easy to overindulge in rich foods, sweets, and alcohol. However, as with other times of the year, moderation is key, and too much of a good thing can compromise both your physical health and mental well-being. Therefore, try to maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, and make time for exercise and other forms of self-care.
- Set a shopping budget. With a barrage of ads and limited-time specials, the pressure to spend money during the holiday season can feel inescapable. However, holiday shopping can quickly lead to buyer’s remorse when the bills start rolling in. To avoid the financial “hangover,” set a holiday shopping budget early in the season, and consider gift options that may be less expensive but more meaningful. For example, offer someone a home-cooked meal, one-on-one time together, or an afternoon of helping with housework. These gifts carry a minimal price tag but will show your love and appreciation for someone in ways that most store-bought gifts cannot.
- Ask for help. Many people simply put too much on their own to-do lists during the holiday season, particularly if they are hosting parties or trying to create magical experiences for their families. However, this can cause stress and even anger or resentment. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and delegate specific tasks to others—you’ll likely find that there are people in your life who will be happy to share in the responsibilities and the process of making holiday magic.
source: hopkinsmedicine.org
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