Tis the Season: Navigating the Holidays with Ease
While many people look forward to the holiday season, it isn’t all joy and cheer. The holidays can bring with them a plethora of stress-inducing moments, between juggling social events with family and friends, managing school and work, and coordinating travel.
The American Psychological Association that 38% of surveyed people report increased stress during the holiday season, mainly due to time constraints, family gatherings and financial demands. There’s also an immense amount of pressure to not express feelings of stress, anxiety or depression in favor of the “holiday spirit.” It can be difficult to say “no” to activities and celebrations when they are so abundant and demanding. Try to prioritize the most important activities and set limits for yourself to avoid feeling burnt out from an overwhelmingly busy schedule. The holidays can also be a time of grief if you’ve lost a loved one over the past year. Feelings of loneliness and loss may intensify during a season that places a strong emphasis on tradition and reminiscing about past years. In such moments, reaching out for support is crucial. It can help to foster connections with family, friends, and perhaps a therapist for support.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may contribute to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation due to less sunlight and shorter days. The lack of natural light during winter months can impact mood and contribute to a sense of gloom. To counteract winter-induced depression, it’s beneficial to engage in outdoor activities that maximize available sunlight, even in limited doses.
Bringing warm lighting into your living space can also create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, finding solace in indoor activities that promote relaxation and well- being, such as reading, crafting, or soothing music can be effective strategies for managing the impact of SAD and fostering a more positive mindset during colder months. Navigating the holiday season involves more than just festive decorations and joyous gatherings; it also requires a realistic approach to managing your expectations. While the holidays can bring a sense of warmth and togetherness, it won’t all be merry and bright. Recognizing that not every moment will unfold flawlessly, that challenges such as tension between family members may arise, allows for a more fulfilling and authentic holiday experience. Try to adjust your expectations and focus on genuine moments of connection rather than comparing each day to the previous season or hoping for a perfect celebration. In addition, if there are certain family members who tend to escalate conversations, take a break from the situation and don’t feel obligated to engage.
The holiday season is undeniably a time of heightened emotions, and while it brings the promise of joy and celebration, it also introduces stressors that can take a toll. Recognize moments in your life that might prove difficult to manage and prioritize self-care so that the holidays can be as cheerful and stress-free as possible.
