It may be the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel anxious, overwhelmed and stressed. We have compiled some ways to remain calm, cool and collected during the holidays.
Plan ahead.
The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Planning ahead can help keep you organized and prevent last-minute scrambling. Keeping your lists of holiday to-do’s (baking list, hosting shopping list, hosting menu’s, gift list, etc.) will ensure you maximize your time and efforts. When planning ahead, it also helps to build in some time for yourself to meditate, enjoy things you love to do and relax.
Keep healthy habits.
Between the holiday treats and festivities, it’s hard to keep those healthy habits that you may or may not have had all year long. Making sure you keep up with eating right, exercise, getting a good night’s sleep and making sure you take a break is really important. Taking care of your physical health can help stabilize your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve long-term mental well-being.
Create new traditions.
We all love holiday traditions. Sometimes, it is refreshing to start some new traditions. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself keeping up old holiday traditions if they cause you stress, anxiety or cause you financial issues.
Learn to say NO.
Around the holiday’s people feel the need to make everyone happy! This is also a good time to think about the things you can handle. Being able to politely say NO to tasks, projects, events will help keep your schedule manageable and your stress levels down.
Make time for yourself.
Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
Some options may include:
• Taking a walk or going to the gym
• Watching TV in a sperate room
• Grabbing a cup of coffee
• Listening to music or a podcast
• Reading a book
• Journal
• Laugh
• BREATH!!!
Reach out.
The Holidays can be hard for so many. Some people might feel alone, can’t go home for the holidays or are isolated. If you know if anyone who may be feeling like this, give them a call catch up, or see if they are willing to meet up with you to do something. Around the holiday’s it’s nice to reach out and re-connect with many that we haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes just making calling a family member or friend that maybe feeling alone or indifferent about the holidays feel not only included, but make their day even better. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, our YMCA Family Services team can help! Call (631) 580-7777 To speak to a counselor or book an appointment.
RESOURCES
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2021/11/five-ways-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health-this-holiday-season/
