Did You Know That… Holiday Season

by hbhs07, posted in Did You Know?

The holiday season is the most joyful time of the year. It is the period from the end of November to the beginning of January when several holidays occur, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year. Everyone gets involved in the holiday season by exchanging gifts with friends and family, attending the company’s annual Christmas party, and attending or hosting a family Christmas lunch. This is the time when we take a break from work and bring some sparkle into our lives.

The holiday season is a time to spread joy and blessings, to express gratitude, compassion, recognition, love, and sharing. It is a time of recognition and forgiveness, celebrating the values that unite us in life.

But did you know that the holiday season also brings lots of stress, anxiety and depression?

The holiday season also brings along more responsibilities, expenses, cooking, baking, shopping and cleaning, unwanted guests, and worries.

Here are some tips to keep the stress down and make the holiday season more enjoyable:

  • Accept your feelings – If for some reason, such as losing a family member or close friend, or not being able to be with your loved ones, you feel sad, acknowledge those feelings and express them. You can’t feel happy just because it’s the holiday season.
  • Plan ahead – Designate specific days for shopping, baking, cleaning, cooking, and connecting with friends. This will help you get things done on time and prevent you from forgetting things.
  • Stick to a budget – Plan your budget well before you start buying gifts. Decide how much money you can afford and stick to it.
  • Learn to say no – When you feel resentful and overwhelmed say “no” to any extra activity. This will help reduce stress and make the holidays more joyful.
  • Reach out for help – If you feel lonely or isolated, look for social activities and gatherings where you can get support and company.
  • Be realistic – The holidays don’t have to be perfect, or the same every year. Find the best way to celebrate, so you can enjoy it with your friends and family.

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  • Set aside differences – Try to accept family and friends as they are. Don’t expect them to change just because you think they should behave a certain way. Be understanding of their behaviors, because they too can feel the effects of holiday stress and depression.
  • Maintain healthy habits – Avoid excessive smoking and alcohol. Get enough sleep and eat healthy meals. Do breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and walks in nature.
  • Take some time for yourself – Find an activity you enjoy and spend at least 15 minutes alone, being present. This will reduce stress, clear your mind, slow your breathing and restore inner peace.
  • Take control over the holidays – Learn to recognize the holiday triggers, such as financial pressures, demands, rush, and responsibilities, and try to combat them before they cause stress. Don’t let the holidays become something you fear. With some positive thinking, planning, and free time, you can make holidays peaceful, joyful, and exciting.
  • Share joy, blessings, and gratitude – Be good to people, offer your help, and be grateful for all good things in your life.
  • Seek professional help if you need it – If you are constantly feeling sad or anxious, tearful, hopeless, unable to sleep, irritable and out of your routine, talk to your doctor and get help.

The holiday season is a time for reconciliation, forgiveness and sharing love. Count your blessings, spread joy, share a smile, make someone happy and feel good…. And enjoy!!!!! Happy holidays!!!!!

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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.