All of us face incredible demands in our everyday lives, but during the holidays the expectations are even higher and sometimes the pressure can become overwhelming. We can avoid some of the common holiday pitfalls by following stress and depression busting tips from the Mayo Clinic that will help you give yourself the space you need to create some wonderful, lasting memories for yourself and your family this year.
Managing Holiday Stress
This article by the Mayo Clinic, Stress, Depression and the Holidays: Tips for Coping outlines ten tips for preventing and managing stress and depression during the holidays. Take a look – you just might find a few that you can put to work.
This year I am paying extra attention to tips #1, #4, and #8.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Last year, I found myself very sad and grieving the recent loss of my parents. It became a bit overwhelming. I eventually realized that it was okay to be sad and even depressed. It wasn’t fun, but it was okay to just be with those feelings. Our loved ones who aren’t around this year are missed. One idea is to set out special items that belonged to your loved ones or that bring special memories to you and honor those loved ones with a prayer or ceremony.
Set Aside Differences
Try to accept people as they are. We can all do some strange things that may be hard to explain or understand sometimes. Be understanding and don’t overreact if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress, too. Choose to be grateful and celebrate that we all have such diverse personalities, styles and experiences to share. Decide in advance to take the high road! Give people room and the benefit of the doubt. Be compassionate.
Don’t Abandon Healthy Habits
If you have worked hard to get in shape, eat right, not smoke or drink, be on the lookout! The temptations will be many during the holiday season. Have a strategy for saying no. Use the buddy system, think of the long run rather than the immediate moment. Don’t blow your diet, your sobriety, your exercise routine. You and your loved ones will be glad you stuck to your healthy habits!
More Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress and Depression
- Acknowledge your feelings.
- Reach out.
- Be realistic.
- Set aside differences.
- Stick to a budget.
- Plan ahead.
- Learn to say no.
- Don’t abandon healthy habits.
Wishing you the very best for the holidays!
If one of the stresses on your shoulders this season is the possibility of selling your home during the holidays or after the new year, let us help you now. Wishing you could just roast chestnuts, build snowmen (well, if it snows!), wrap gifts, and enjoy your favorite people? Get the Piper Partners Team working for you today!
