Identify the main sources of your Holiday Stress- Learn to make Healthier choices
- Develop a plan to manage Your Stress during the Holiday Season
- Make it fun and enjoyable. A Christmas to Remember…
Creating a Plan of Action
- Let go of unrealistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment, causing relationship issues with friends and family. Let your past be your past and your present be your future. You can create the Holiday you deserve.
- Acknowledge and express your feelings honestly but humbly. Give yourself permission to feel a sense of loss especially if you are experiencing illness, divorce, death, separation, anxiety, dread, or other pressures. Seek a professional if you have any suicidal thoughts.
- Isolation. If you tend to isolate yourself, try to stay busy instead:
a. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter or anywhere there is need
b. Invite others to get together
c. Get out. Go for a walk. Window Shop
d. Join a Church
e. Adopt a dog - Forgiveness. Don’t expect issues with others to disappear but it is the Holiday’s and forgiving along with letting go is a wonderful Christmas gift. If resentment occurs with the other party give grace. If too, hostile you might need to remove yourself. Respecting others and avoidance might be the only way to overcome.
- Loneliness. If you are grieving a loved one or you might not have anyone:
a. Join a support group. Grief Care at a local church
b. Spend time with family, friends or people who care
c. Helping others minimizes worrying over your circumstances
d. Accept that you are lonely. It is okay to feel sad but take enthusiasm and action to heal.
e. Join a local church - Prepare for the worst:
a. Eliminate stressful or unnecessary activities or chores (Ask for Help)
b. Devote time to relax and reboot
c. Take a “ME Day”. Do something special for You.
d. Seek Help! This is the time not to be prideful. Let Go and Ask… - Re-evaluate your Christmas traditions. Are they too stressful or time-consuming?
- Over-indulgence:
a. Set a budget and stick to it
b. Create a Christmas Club for next year
c. Increase Physical activity. It is getting cold and wanting to sit and drink hot cocoa by the fireplace seems ideal however, walking or cardio exercises will keep your circulation flowing.
d. Eat, drink, and spend in moderation. Remember the 80/20 rule and stick to non-alcoholic drinks - Remember the True meaning of the Holiday Season
a. Give Thanks. Have a grateful heart for what you have not what you don’t
b. Let-go and give grace to those who do not deserve it. They are the ones who need it more than you.
c. Focus on what is important to you about the Holiday
d. Love those who are difficult!
Congratulations you are an Over-comer of the Holiday Season! Enjoy and Take Action!