Managing stress during the holidays

“Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity”- Pema Chodron 

While the holidays can be a time filled with excitement, connection and many other things, it can also be a time when stress reaches an all-time high. If the holidays have been difficult or have taken an emotional toll on you in the past, this may be a particularly challenging time of the year. Previously, I wrote about coping with the holiday season. If you are interested, you can read that blog here. Below are a few tips for managing stress during the holiday season. 

Recognize and validate your feelings. It can be helpful to acknowledge what you feel about this time of the year. It’s okay to feel whatever it is you’re feeling about this time of the year. It can be helpful to take some time to acknowledge and express whatever it is you are feeling. 

Reach out to your support. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Try to identify who has been a support in the past and how can they continue to be a support for you in this season. If you are feeling lonely or isolated, community can offer support and a sense of togetherness.

Stick to your personal boundaries. If you don’t know what your boundaries are or struggle with boundaries during the holidays. Check out this post about how to have healthy boundaries during the holidays. When you say yes to things that you really want to say no to, you may find yourself feeling stressed, overwhelmed and resentful.  Honoring your boundaries can help you to reduce and manage stress. 

Take care of yourself. It can be easy to get caught up in all the things that need to be done and you may find your schedule filled with holiday gatherings and events. I would invite you to check in with yourself and don’t forget to make time for you. Doing things for yourself can help you to rest and recharge so you are able to do the things you want.

Whether this is an exciting time of the year or a challenging time of the year, the holidays can bring up different types of stress. In this post, I shared a few tips that may help you manage stress during the holidays and provided links to my other post about coping with the holiday season and how to have healthy boundaries during the holidays. If you or someone you know struggles during the holidays, I would encourage you to reach out for professional help if you need it. May this time of the year be what you need it to be.  

Warmly,

Ebony Skinner, PhD, LPC-S

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be or substitute treatment by a Licensed Professional Counselor.