Do the holidays make you feel like Rhea? Annoyed, overwhelmed, and wondering why someone put reindeer antlers on your head? Well, you’re not alone.
While the holidays are a time of joy and time with loved ones, they can also be a time when people feel isolated, anxious, and irritable. Whether it’s grief over the loss of a family member or friend, financial stress, unrealistic expectations, or strained relationships, the holidays can certainly come with a lot of difficulties.
This holiday season, make your wellness a top priority so you can successfully navigate the holiday hazards. Here are some tips to help manage your stress for the holidays:
Keep up healthy habits:
- Prioritize rest
- Choose balanced meals but enjoy the treats too!
- Avoid excessive alcohol or tobacco use
- Disconnect from social media
Set boundaries
- Saying “no” is okay! When you say “yes” when you really want to say “no”, it can lead to resentment and bitterness. Take time to evaluate what events and activities you want to commit to.
- Friends, family and co-workers will understand that you can’t attend every event.
- Any negative reaction that you get from setting boundaries does not mean you did anything wrong
Create a budget
- There are a lot of things in life that you can’t control, but you can control how much money you spend on gifts and food this holiday season.
- Set yourself up for success and less stress by creating a budget before shopping.
Acknowledge your feelings
- Grief is a normal feeling to have around the holidays. Grief can come from a recent loss or from a loss you experienced years ago. There is no timeline for the grieving process and it’s okay to let those emotions out.
- Cry, journal, and/or reach out to someone for support. Check out local support groups (listed below).
Take a break:
- Take a daily walk. 15 minutes of fresh air and sunshine has been proven to improve mood and relieve stress.
- Listen to your favorite music
- Find a new podcast
- Drive around to view the holiday lights
Practice gratitude
- Acknowledge the things that are going well in your life and the things that you have. It’s easy to forget about the good things during stressful times.
- Write 3 things that you are grateful for each morning to start your day on a positive note. Whether big or small, every little thing matters.
Set aside differences:
- This holiday season is closely following a highly emotional presidential election. Recognize that people might have different opinions and that’s okay! Focus on topics that aren’t potential triggers for people and try to remove yourself if things become too heated.
Consider giving back
- Studies have found that volunteering your time can lead to decreased stress, increased happiness, and provides individuals with a sense of purpose.
- See below for some volunteer opportunity ideas!
Seek support:
- Whether you seek professional support or support from a trusted person in your life, it’s important to reach out for help. You don’t have to struggle alone.
- If you are experiencing a crisis or just need extra support, please call 1-844-493-8255 to speak to a clinician (available 24/7/365). There is NO wrong reason to call!
- Finally, when the holidays are all said and done, rest easy knowing that you did the best you can. Rhea certainly will.
Local support groups:
- HeartLight Center (Colorado In-Person Grief Support Denver-metro)
- My Grief Angels, virtual support groups on major holidays (“Grieving @ Holidays” ™ Is A New Free Year-round Virtual Grief Support)
Volunteer opportunities:
- Snow Angels Program (Edgewater)
- Food Bank of the Rockies
- Denver Rescue Mission
- Donate Blood
- Animal shelter (volunteer or donate)
- Maxfund
- Cat Care Animal Society
- Denver Animal Shelter
- Clothes/food/toy donations
- Create goodie bags for the unhoused (include hygiene products, socks, gloves, food, etc)
Have questions, comments, or need resources? Reach out! Meghan Murphy, LCSW, 720-763-3017, mmurphy@edgewaterco.com
