Navigating Stress During the Holidays

By: Mandee Hochins

Holidays are tough. A lot of us struggle with the financial aspect of whether we can provide the gifts we want to our loved ones or host a dinner or get-together. A lot of us struggle with animosity within our family or friend groups and how that’s going to impact get-togethers and dinners – and a lot of us this year, are worried about holiday happenings during a global pandemic.

And for some of us, the holiday season brings back unwanted memories, reminders of traumas, and pressure to spend time with people we don’t feel comfortable or safe around.

These things can be overwhelming and seem to take hold of us.

Some practices to help calm your mind and regain control:

Grounding Yourself: Become attuned to the real, tangible feel of your body where it is, as it is:

• Sit down, straighten your posture, put your chin up sky high – and deep breathe. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
• Use fidget toys, like a stress ball or pop-it
• Move your thumb up and down the opposite hand. Focus on the feel.

Calming Self-Talk - Taking charge of the situation and of you:

• Tell yourself out loud, “My feelings are valid, but they do not control me.”
• Experience the emotion. It’s okay to have these feelings.
• Reach out to a trusted friend to speak about your feelings
• Sit with yourself. Say out loud, ‘I am okay. My thoughts do not control me.’
• Set boundaries. You do not have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• You do not have to push yourself past your limit. It’s okay to draw the line.

 
Holidays can be a time of joy, chaos or upset. Be gentle with yourself and remember that you are not alone and you do not have to stretch yourself thin.

Visit our Instagram and check out our 12 Days of Coping Skills to help you deal with the Holiday Stress.