Are you in the holiday spirit?
For some people, the holidays are a time of fond memories and warm feelings. For others, the holidays are a time to dread.
Many people get stressed during holiday time, even if they do not celebrate the religious aspects of the holiday season. Why?
- Commercial pressure of our society.
- Expectations that others have, or that we think they have.
- Dreary days and less sunlight.
- End of the year deadlines in business and work (accounting, inventory, budgeting).
- Travel and out of town guests.
- Missing departed loved ones or family members that have moved away.
- Going through a “tough time”. Divorce, illness or other life changes feel magnified during the holiday season.
- Abbreviated holiday hours of businesses can make it harder to get things done.
- Lots of traffic and waiting in line.
- Feeling that everything is out of their control.
- Know how to say “no”.
- Smile more.
- Call or visit someone you know who is lonely.
- Invite someone to a meal with you if they will be alone over the holidays (or take them some food if they are shut-in at their home.)
- Practice a random act of kindness.
- Take a walk, alone, in a place that makes you feel good.
- Give yourself a gift (even if it is just a break, doing nothing).
- Ask yourself, “how important is this really?” and cut out activities that you don’t need.
- Get enough rest and regular nutritious food.
- Ask for help. If you are depressed, lonely, or just need help running errands or cooking a meal, know how to ask for (and accept) the help of others rather than trying to do it all yourself.