Coping with Holiday Stress | 3 Way To Maintain Your Merry

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebrations, but for many, it can also bring on a lot of holiday stress.  Seasonal fatigue, stress, and anxiety may test our emotions and drain the holidays of festivity. Even our own expectations can sabotage our joy. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 40% of Americans report becoming more stressed during this time of year. Despite the challenges of the holiday season, there are ways to help de-stress and rejuvenate. Let’s look at three ways to help make your season merry and bright!

Decrease Holiday Stress by Setting Boundaries

The holiday season brings lots of additional requests for our time, money, and attention. There are party invitations and family expectations that can make anyone feel burdened with stress and fatigue. Setting healthy boundaries is important for our overall health and wellness. Sometimes we can feel badly about taking care of ourselves and prioritize other peoples’ needs. Setting boundaries can help improve self-esteem, develop independence, enhance your mental and emotional being, and help others avoid burnout. 

Be Clear About Your Expectations

Lots of plans are made during the holiday season and sometimes those plans can get miscommunicated. Even if everyone arrives at the party on time, there are situations that can come up that make the gathering less than perfect. Make sure to set clear expectations for the people involved but also for yourself. Having clear and realistic expectations not only makes everyone involved aware but oftentimes allows you to relax and enjoy the holiday event! Clear expectations are the secret to happier times.

Hold Empathy About The Expectations of Others

While you work on managing your own stress during the holiday season, it is important for you to also empathize with others. As we realize our own needs and expectations, it’s important to be open-hearted about the needs and expectations of those around us. Maybe your friend or coworker is grieving a loss, feeling lonely, or just not in the holiday spirit. Check-in on yourself and on others and have realistic expectations that this holiday season may be more challenging than others.  Skipping an event may be the best way to protect raw emotions, “and that’s okay. Try to engage in a pleasant activity, instead. Seeking support from friends, clergy, or family members is really important; so is letting loved ones take care of you.

Managing Holiday Stress in Maryland

If you find yourself struggling with stress and anxiety during the holidays, please contact us here at Bowie Health. Bowie Internal Medicine is committed to the health and wellness of all.