As they say, it’s “the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, and that may be true for a lot of us, but the holiday season is often “the Most Stressful Time of the Year”, too. There are a lot of expectations and demands on our time, energy and wallet, not to mention on our bodies. We get very busy with shopping, parties, family events, decorating, cooking and, oh yeah, end of the year pressures at work... AND there is a lot of pressure to be “happy” and “joyful”.
For many people, the holiday season is downright depressing, especially those who have lost loved ones, experienced traumatic events during the holidays, are far from their family and loved ones, or struggle with mental health challenges. It is tough a difficult season to navigate when you are carrying a lot of grief or pain - and perhaps even more so because everyone thinks you SHOULD be happy.
How do you get through it all?
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Whether you are coping with the more ‘mundane’ stresses of the holidays or struggling with grief and depression, it is important to take time to take care of yourself during this high stress season.
Make self care a priority. Take breaks when you need it. Don’t try to take on everything or be everything to everyone. Do things that nurture and nourish you - get out and take a walk, meditate, get a Reiki session or a massage, or soak in a hot tub. Take time each day that is just for you.
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Say NO to demands that increase your stress. You do not need to go to every event or party. You do not need to spend a fortune on gifts to ‘make everyone happy’. You do not need to eat every snack placed in front of you. You do not need to take on the responsibility for everything that needs to get done. Let the Jones’s worry about themselves and you take care of what really matters - you and your family. Learn to say NO, learn to delegate, and learn to prioritize. Do what is important, let the rest go.
Get support if you are struggling - reach out to a skilled healer or therapist, talk to supportive friends and family, reach out to your minister or spiritual counselor, or find a support group that will help. If you are depressed and feeling suicidal, know that you are not alone. Call a friend for help or contact the Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If the holiday’s are stressful you, be honest with yourself about it and take steps to support yourself through it. Be gentle with yourself, be honest about how you are feeling, and take care of yourself.
We are offering some special classes to help support you through the holiday season, so if you are local, come to our Holiday Stress Buster Circles on December 1st and 15th at 7 p.m. We will be creating a fun space for you to relax and release stress and rejuvenate your spirit. We will also help you with some tools to get you through the rest of the holiday season with ease and grace (or at least a lot less stress!!)
Each circle is a hour and a half and costs $10 per person. Dress comfy and bring a mat or blanket.
Location: Wellness in Harmony 221 Church St. Phoenixville PA 19460
I hope to see you there, ans for those who are unable to attend, I wish you a joyful and STRESS FREE holiday season!
