Do you cringe when you think of the holiday season? Does it raise your anxiety? Cause depression? Do you stress out just by trying to get everything right so it will go smoothly? You are not alone.
The holiday season no doubt can get and be stressful on everyone. The key is the way we handle the stress that we are under that determines how our outcome is going to be. There are simple things that we can do to help us dis-stress during this time.
Stress is also very hard on those of us that live with limitations for example stress can bring on seizures for someone who may have a seizure disorder. So by doing some tips and tricks so to speak can help prevent these types of situations. What are these tips you ask? Lets dive in and look at some tips that can help during the stressful holiday season.
It is easy to loose sight of what really matters, it helps to stay focused on the present time and situation. Details are important, however, do not over think things or should I say don’t sweat the small stuff. Face reality. A lot of the time we will plan events and have it in mind that it will goes as we have it planned in our mind. This unfortunately, is not always the case. Nothing is perfect so by accepting things may not go as planned helps us to not get flustered at the situation. Accept the mishaps and move on. Consideration. It is hard at times to stop and think about others situations, feelings, mentality etc., especially, during the holiday season. It is true holidays can bring a lot of emotions up and create issues for a lot of us. So trying to be supportive and thoughtful and aware of what others around us are thinking, feeling, going through and so on can easy tension and help us easy our stress and anxiety. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/4-mindful-tips-to-destress-this-holiday-season
How about our present moment with what is going on around the country with covid 19? That is stressful in itself for example if we are going to travel which is stressful in itself we may be required to wear a mask and abide by certain rules that pertain to safety where covid is concerned. So the question is how can we de-stress while in a pandemic such as covid 19? Anything is possible. Yes we can make things easier on ourselves so we do not stress out and raise our anxiety and get frustrated even in the pandemic.
Being practical is an important key to helping us dis-stress. Facing reality for what our situation involves, bracing ourselves for the unexpected. Going with the flow, planning ahead are all things that are practical that we can focus on by accepting these realities that they could occur. When we feel overwhelmed and have no where to go or anyone to turn to we can look in others places such as in our community. This may involve a support group, church family, community outreaches that can help us in various ways. Our mind likes to play tricks on us especially when stress is ruling our lives. By reaching out and asking for assistance and support this can lighten the load that we are carrying. Another place we can turn to is social media to contact family, friends that are far away. I personally love facetime it gives the sense that you are right there with the person whom you are talking to. It is important to set all our personal problems aside for the occasion weather its thanksgiving, Christmas, keeping a focus on the reason for the season, so to speak, there is a time and place for everything. holidays are not a time to allow conflict or personal issues to take over the joy of the season. https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/how-deal-holiday-stress-during-covid-19
A big dis-stressor is to start early and create a plan ahead of time. Do not wait for the last minute to decide what you are going to get and figure out how much you want to spend on gifts, especially, when you have a limited income and have children. Not to mention unexpected expenses . By planning ahead helps take some of the pressure off of us physically, mentally and emotionally. My personal favorite, “Me time” always, take time for yourself to relax and collect yourself. Its important to not only give ourselves me time, but also, to make sure we are looking out for our main necessities by taking care of ourselves. (eating right, exercising, decompressing), it is all good for the body, mind and soul. Mindfulness, being aware of what is setting off our stress is important to be aware of. If we know the root cause for our stress and anxiety we can be proactive in preventing these triggers. Holidays may cause mixed emotions and cause us to be depressed, anxious, missing loved ones. By keeping our eyes and ears open and being aware of what’s going on around us and what kind of space our friends and family are in we can help not only them by being thoughtful and considerate but it can help us as well by knowing these facts we can lower our stress levels and whatever emotions are being created within ourselves. https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/how-deal-holiday-stress-during-covid-19
Try to dis-stress during this upcoming holiday season. The holidays are meant to be joyful, fun and make memories, not to be stressful and tiresome. Enjoy yourself and each other. Happy holidays and happy reading everyone!
Living w/ cerebral palsy 