About 1/3 of people expect to be more stressed this holiday season than in past years. This is due in part to inflation, world events, fractured family relations and loneliness. Some anxiety is normal, but with expectations often unrealistic around the holiday season, this can become overwhelming and actually ruin the hoy of the holiday season. Below are some strategies you can easily implement to make the most of your holiday season & beat the seasonal stress.
Reduce Overly High Expectations:
- Limit Hallmark movies & social media, be ok with “good enough”
- Develop a “Holiday Plan” to stay on track
Identify Your Holiday Plan:
Make a holiday plan with your family members to discuss:
- Socializing – How will you manage challenging family & friends? How much time is needed and with whom?
- Decorating – How much is too much?
- Gifts – Set a shopping budget & schedule a specific time.
- Food – Do you really need 6 homemade pies? Try a potluck to spread the work among family & friends.
- Family Time – What do you want this to look like?
- Rest – Can you physically & mentally do it all? Plan for rest too.
- Self-Care – Continue your routine habits like exercise, rest, healthy eating, watch the alcohol & marijuana consumption.
- Volunteer – Combat loneliness by volunteering alone or with family (release those feel-good chemicals in our brain)!
Still Feeling Stuck? Help is Available to You:
- If you have a therapist, schedule a session to develop your plan.
- Network 180 has resources just a phone call away. Reach out to them at 616-336-3909
- If you are feeling suicidal, please call Network 180 at 616-336-3909, call or text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline.
By: Lesley Menhart, LMSW ACSW, CAADS
