Ten Tips to Manage Stressors during the Holidays

Top Ten Tips to Destress this Holiday Season

The holidays are here. Many residents are decorating their homes with diverse Christmas lights and ornaments and putting up their Christmas trees. For those of the Jewish faith, many will be putting up their menorahs on Hankukkah and lighting the candles for eight days. The holidays can be a time of joy and excitement to reconnect with family and friends. For others, it may be stressful for many different reasons. Below are then 10 tips to manage your stressors for informational purposes only.

1) Make a budget that suits your financial needs to afford gifts for yourself and for your family and friends. I made a conservative budget of buying what I know others will need and not just what they want. See how that works you.

2) Take 10 deep breaths as you inhale through your nose and exhale through your month. Breath out anxiety and breath in calmness.

3) Take five to take space and take 10 to go outside for fresh air.

4) Call a friend or family member who will be a great sounding board for you. Tell them you want them to just listen and to not fix your problem.

5) Engage in a physical exercise or activity that will promote the positive energy flowing throughout your body. Remember that positive energy is light and freeing as opposed to the heaviness of negative emotions that can feel like a ton of bricks coming down on your back.

6) Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings and behaviors. This is a great way to monitor your daily moods. If your moods become overwhelming, please see a counselor or your family doctor for treatment.

7) Make a donation to your favorite charity in someone’s name. Some people find it very soothing to remember their loved ones in their honor.

8) Attend holiday parties if you are comfortable doing so. For some individuals, getting out of the house or getting out of your work cubicle is a great way to connect with others without talking “shop” at these events. You can still enjoy yourself at work by being on guard and still being yourself as well. For work and non-work events, just go with the flow.

9) Attend religious or spiritual services to reconnect with your inner being and finding your purpose.

10) If you find you are having a difficult time this time of year, please call a counselor or ask your primary care physician or health insurance company for a referral.