The winter holidays are approaching! That can mean many fun and exciting things like time off from work or school, vacations, enjoying the first snowfall of the season from the warmth of your home, and reuniting with old friends and family.
It’s also important to recognize that the holidays can be a time of stress. Whether it’s balancing demands from multiple sides of the family, loneliness if spending holidays alone, grief over a recent loss of a loved one, managing difficult personalities, or financial stressors with added holiday expenses, this season can be a challenging time. At times, the holidays are stressful because of the expectations we put on ourselves as well. Whether it’s having a perfectly decorated home, making sure we give the “right” gifts, or anxiety over being a good host, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make the holidays “just right”!
It’s easy to turn to negative coping styles to manage holiday stress, such as isolation, restrictive eating habits, binge eating or emotional eating, and/or using substances such alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs.
What Would Your Therapist Say?
We at Intuitive Counseling want to give you some tips for managing the holiday season in a healthy and effective way.
- Manage expectations: Don’t expect perfection out of yourself or others! It’s ok if your house isn’t perfectly clean, the decorations aren’t just-so, or the kids aren’t on their best behavior when you host!
- Remember that this too shall pass. This time of year is temporary and you will get through it.
- It’s OK to say no! Prioritize the family functions and events that are most important to you and set boundaries by passing on the ones that aren’t. If you’re worried about disappointing friends or family, suggest getting together another time, after the holidays have passed and things aren’t as busy.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you build in time for self-care, fun and enjoyable activities, sleep, and relaxation.
- Use support. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and share that you’re struggling. Schedule an extra appointment or two with your therapist if the holidays are a particularly difficult time for you.
Feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or anxious about the upcoming holidays? We can help! Reach out if you would like to schedule an appointment. (847) 607-1520.