4 Steps to a Happy Holiday Season
Say Goodbye to the Bah-Humbugs & Holiday Stress!
November is here! And it’s just the beginning of all the holiday parties and family gatherings to come…
Unfortunately, most people find that what should be a time of joy and relaxation, turns into two long months of frustration and stress. And it’s no wonder, with all the extra activities and commitments interrupting our everyday lives and routines. But most of all, the holidays can put a heavy strain on us to be perfect—being at our best behavior, keeping it all together and covering up all the little “imperfections” can be both physically and psychologically exhausting.
The stress we feel around this time of year is usually rooted in elevated expectations of what things SHOULD be like…
The perfect family, gathered in their impeccably clean and immaculately decorated home, opening the beautifully wrapped presents and dining on an extravagant feast that would put Martha Stewart to shame. The parents don’t fight, the kids get along, and everyone is full of joy as the chestnuts roast over the open fire.
<spanstyle=”color:#662d91;”>STOP! This is your reality check!!! Not you, not anyone, can possibly live up to that fantasy, and these unrealistically high expectations, coupled with our tendency to take intense personal responsibility for failure, set the stage for an unfulfilling and ungratifying holiday season.
This year, consider letting it go, and shifting all the energy you would use trying to be “perfect” to healthier and more fulfilling activities. Here are 4 simple steps to a rewarding and happy holiday!
Recognize & Appreciate ALL of Your Emotions
Holidays can easily bring up unresolved emotional issues from years past because memories (especially traumatic and deeply impactful ones) are so closely intertwined with smells, sounds and tastes. It’s important to remember that pain, anger, sadness and fear are all part of the healthy array of human emotions. The only thing that causes “negative” emotions to become unhealthy is when you hold on to them too long. When you find yourself experiencing an unhappy emotion, embrace it―really let yourself feel it, wholly and deeply. Take the time to understand where this feeling is coming from and how it can become a valuable part in your development. Once you have found the positive in a challenging emotional situation, it will be easier to let go of any lingering negative effects.
Be Thankful
Applying thankfulness in your everyday life, in every situation, helps you to see the bigger picture, and reminds you of all your many blessings. Another beneficial aspect of utilizing gratitude as a way of life, is that it moves our focus off of the pain of our current circumstances, and shifts that energy into a more powerful and positive direction.
Be Present
When you’re trying so hard to keep up with an ever growing to-do list, it’s easy to mentally “check out” of what’s happening here and now in the present. Instead of getting caught up in giving and getting presents, make BEING present your number one priority. Relax and enjoy the holiday season by taking in every moment. Make this season all about family, friends, love and joy.
Plan & Organize
Planning reduces stress and helps you organize your time wisely. Stop trying to tackle all those to-do’s internally, and write down the reminders you’ve been stressing over. What items do you need to pack for your trip? What ingredients do you need for the pie? What’s your budget for holiday gift shopping? Try making it relaxing—play some soothing music, sit down and relax with with a mug of hot cocoa or tea while you write it all down. You can even use your phone to snap a picture when you’re done, and you’ll be sure to have your list with you wherever you go.
While the parties and family gatherings are tons of fun, the planning, baking, and constantly being on your best behavior can have serious side effects. Stress can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health. Common symptoms of stress on your body, mind and behavior can include headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, lack of focus, sadness, anger, or over/under eating. If you’re struggling with managing your stress, contact one of the caring staff members at Privy Oasis, LLC today.
Always in Your Corner,
Taaka M. Cash
DNP, MPH, MSN, RN, FPMHNP-BC