Everyone loves the holidays- family time, the festivities, the lights, gift-giving, and all the laughter.
Unfortunately, the holidays is also an extremely stressful time for many. And this year, that reality might be even more exaggerated.
During the holiday months, a lot of people struggle with the colder and shorter days, the pressure of hosting or entertaining guests, the financial pressure of parties and presents, and unrealistic expectations. Many also have personal struggles like food, socialization, etc.
All of the above can be even harder with the pandemic and the ever-changing regulations around the subject. If you’re feeling stressed out and confused, read on.
- Set your boundaries: Boundary setting takes practice and consistence. During the holiday season, you might feel forced into the corner in saying yes to many things. This is your time to step up and stand your ground. If you’re not comfortable with something, draw the line.Although pressure from family and friends can be overwhelming at times, if you don’t enjoy yourself, what’s the point?
If 2020 taught us one thing, it’s we can make anything work. Go virtual. Call instead of attending in person, having a smaller gathering if it makes you more comfortable. Communicate your needs, rather than allowing ambiguity to fill the room.
There’s no guilt or shame associated with boundary setting. You should feel empowered by standing your ground and communicating what you need for your own physical and mental health.
2. Reach out: if something’s stressing you out or giving you more pressure than you can handle, reach out. We often feel weak, too dramatic, or bothersome if we reach out for help, but it’s quite the opposite. Many want to offer help, but find it hard to pop the question.
If you’re hesitant, test the waters. Call your best friend or someone you trust and ask them to chat. If during the conversation you feel comfortable opening up, then that’s your chance. You can also seek out professionals like psychotherapists or counsellors for some unbiased advice. As humans, we rely on connection and belonging. You don’t have to do it alone, reach out and say something.
3. Know your triggers: What triggers your stress and anxiety? Is it family? Money? Food? Certain topics? If you can’t avoid them, work with them. What about those things trigger your stress, anxiety or even insecurities? We’re quick to label (e.g. I can’t stand my family), but we don’t fully understand why. What about the triggers bother you or make you uncomfortable? What about certain topics make you cringe? Being mentally prepared sometimes is half the battle. If food and the fear of falling off track is your kryptonite, check out our article Eat your Way to 2021 with Grace.
4. Prioritize self- care: fill your own cup before you fill others’. Whether that’s sleeping in, going for hikes, heading to the spa, or simply staying home and doing nothing, that’s your time to take care of yourself. We often feel guilty tending to our own needs, but we need to recognize that even a car needs fuel to run. It can’t just drive on forever. Take care of your mind and body, so you can take better care of others and those you love.
Written by Deanna Rose
Deanna is the founder of Wellth by Deanna Rose. She focuses on empowering women to love their body and create their dream body, master unbreakable confidence and really own their true power. Most people cope through life by creating their own physical and mental limitations on the daily, and not realizing they actually never lived. She works to break through those limiting beliefs and help them live with confidence and freedom. Her work focuses on optimizing nutrition, fitness, and mindset; emphasizing sustainability and integrating it into a lifestyle rather than a quick fix. She also works with people on getting out of the restrict- overeat cycle, weight loss, burnout, and performance optimization. She has a background in counselling, is a registered and licensed naturopathic doctor, certified sports nutritionist, and strength and conditioning specialist.
