‘Tis the Season to be Stressed

The holidays. A time to reconnect with family and friends, but also a prime time to feel stress. Maybe you are worried about money, planning the perfect meal or finding the time to get everything done.

“This time of year can be very stressful. We may feel pressure to meet the expectations of family and friends as well as within ourselves. Old feelings may surface and we may feel a sense of loss or loneliness,” said John Banagan, health educator with Kaiser Permanente in the Diablo Area. “But there are easy ways to manage that stress by identifying on what is important and initiating coping mechanisms.”

Banagan offers some simple ways to avoid stress and add meaning to your holidays:

• Know your limit. Money worries are among the biggest causes of stress during the holiday season. Especially now that Christmas is just days away. Try to resist the “holiday hype” of retailers. Set a budget, and stick to it. Resist buying gifts that you don’t need or will spend the rest of the year trying to pay off.

• Give with meaning. Show your love with a gift that is meaningful. Perhaps the gift of shared time or an experience. You can also express your appreciation with a handwritten letter. Use words instead of an expensive gift to let people know how important they are to you.

• Get organized. Make lists or use your smart phone to keep track of your to-do lists.

• Ask for help. You don't have to do everything alone. Share your to-do list with others. Spend time with friends and family while you share tasks like decorating, wrapping gifts, or preparing the holiday meal.

•  Learn to say no. It's okay to say "no" to events that aren't meaningful to you. This will give you more time to say "yes" to the events that are more meaningful.

• No one is perfect. Don’t pressure yourself to create the perfect holiday for your family. Focus instead on the traditions that make holidays special for you. Discard the rituals that you don’t truly enjoy. 

Other ideas to help make the holidays less stressful:

• Take a break. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. If you have a challenging relationship with a family member, consider limiting your time with them. Spend a little time by yourself if you can. Meditate, or do some deep breathing. Go for a short walk.

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and exercise schedule. Limit your alcohol. Taking care of yourself will help you deal with stressful situations during the holidays.

• Get support if you need it. Holidays can be especially hard if you are already dealing with the death of a loved one or the breakup of a relationship. You may feel embarrassed to ask for help, or you may think that you'll get over "the blues" on your own. Some people may experience depression. It’s important to consult with your doctor or a mental health professional to seek assistance.