It's that time of the year again when stress can mount up and instead of looking forward to the holiday we begin to dread it. Some of the reasons why this can happen are:
We don't look after ourselves, we rush around shopping, making lists, devising exotic and difficult menus and fail to maintain our well being. Our good intentions fall by the wayside , we miss the gym session, the time for ourselves, the healthy meal or enough sleep. Plan ahead and fit in the meditation, the walk, other exercise or an early night. If you don't plan it usually won't happen.
The holidays can be a reminder of losses. There are many losses, a loved one, a pet, a job, your health. The losses can be highlighted when you feel lonely or are facing an uncertain future. Don't be scared to ask for support from family and friends. Decide ahead how you might want to answer the inevitable questions about your life and what your plans are for the New Year. You might want to choose which invitations you will accept and which to decline, there area no rules which say you have to attend everything.
Putting up with the people who make us agitated, angry or miserable. Why do we think we have to enjoy the company of people we have spent the whole year avoiding? Do we think they will have changed or we won't find them annoying just because it's that time of year again? Be prepared to walk away, go to another room, talk to someone else or go home early.You might find you are comparing yourself to others, the relative with the perfect children, the friend who has expensive gifts lavished on her, the cousin who has just been offered the perfect job and salary to match, the list goes on....Think about whether these things would really make you happy, what do you have to be grateful for? What good things happened to you this year?
Budgeting. Ugh! What a thought! However, having a budget helps you to avoid the after holiday reality check and credit card shock. Decide what you can afford and don't go over that amount, gifts can be in many forms, home made food, babysitting offers, a bunch of flowers form your garden or the time for coffee and a chat.
Enjoy the festivities but if you are suffering from anxiety or depression be aware that this may increase over the holiday and take time for yourself. Being in control is helpful and prepare to have a less stressful and more relaxing holiday season that allows you to experience the joy of being with loved ones and a sense that you can have a pleasant time.
We don't look after ourselves, we rush around shopping, making lists, devising exotic and difficult menus and fail to maintain our well being. Our good intentions fall by the wayside , we miss the gym session, the time for ourselves, the healthy meal or enough sleep. Plan ahead and fit in the meditation, the walk, other exercise or an early night. If you don't plan it usually won't happen.
The holidays can be a reminder of losses. There are many losses, a loved one, a pet, a job, your health. The losses can be highlighted when you feel lonely or are facing an uncertain future. Don't be scared to ask for support from family and friends. Decide ahead how you might want to answer the inevitable questions about your life and what your plans are for the New Year. You might want to choose which invitations you will accept and which to decline, there area no rules which say you have to attend everything.
Putting up with the people who make us agitated, angry or miserable. Why do we think we have to enjoy the company of people we have spent the whole year avoiding? Do we think they will have changed or we won't find them annoying just because it's that time of year again? Be prepared to walk away, go to another room, talk to someone else or go home early.You might find you are comparing yourself to others, the relative with the perfect children, the friend who has expensive gifts lavished on her, the cousin who has just been offered the perfect job and salary to match, the list goes on....Think about whether these things would really make you happy, what do you have to be grateful for? What good things happened to you this year?
Budgeting. Ugh! What a thought! However, having a budget helps you to avoid the after holiday reality check and credit card shock. Decide what you can afford and don't go over that amount, gifts can be in many forms, home made food, babysitting offers, a bunch of flowers form your garden or the time for coffee and a chat.
Enjoy the festivities but if you are suffering from anxiety or depression be aware that this may increase over the holiday and take time for yourself. Being in control is helpful and prepare to have a less stressful and more relaxing holiday season that allows you to experience the joy of being with loved ones and a sense that you can have a pleasant time.
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