By:
Asma Shums,
asmashums@gmail.com
This break between the holidays and new year is usually considered a “write off” where you do the bare minimum while doing the maximum emotionally at the same time. Some families celebrate Christmas or do family gatherings without any religious sentimental simply because everyone has the time off from their work or school. It is also the time where people may fly out to visit family and catch up as the world collectively takes time off during this time. Whether you are hosting a big family event or attending one, the holidays can be a very strangely stressful time.
Work/Life Balance
Although it may seem everyone has a few days or weeks off during the end of December, some may still be trying to manage a stressful work life and trying to make it for other events in life. Work has a tendency to take over our lives where its stresses linger past the time we clock out. This is a good time to really see our family and be reminded of what is important and should be a priority.
Make Time for Yourself
Whether it be a busy work schedule, full week of dinners and get togethers with friends and family, or simply errands for your own family to catch up, all of it can take a significant toll on yourself. It may feel like you are stressed out without any reason to be stressed out. Take some time off to reflect on what it is that you wish to do for yourself. It can be a solo activity such as a long walk or massage or one that you feel guilty for missing time and again like meeting that one friend for dinner.
Done be a Perfectionist
The time off, social media posts of grand spreads, gift exchanges, etc. can cause you to create high standards for yourself to meet. Having unrealistically high standards is the perfect catalyst to feel inadequate or stressed out about the smallest things this holiday season. Try to reflect on the present and being clear about what is truly important and which details really matter. It would be the perfect way to start the new year by being less self-critical.
Use Healthy Coping Methods
Sometimes no matter how hard you try, the holiday stress can creep up on you. It is easy to fall into unhealthy coping methods that feel good temporarily but are harmful in the long run. This can be eating too much or too little, withdrawing from friends and family, being highly defensive and combative with loved oved, or engaging in drugs or other vices. Do take this time to reflect, give yourself what you need, and confide in a loved one.
Exercise
A good way to get rid of uncomfortable energy such as anxiety or stress is by getting those emotions out through exercise. It increases endorphins and stimulates the immune system. Prolonged stress can cause sickness and low energy. By exercising, you can avoid reaching burnout. This can be light walks or a heavy session in the gym but should be an activity that you enjoy.
Sleep
More often that not, our ill moods can be fixed with our favourite food, exercise, and a good night’s sleep. We need sleep just as much as we need food and water. Take this time to set good sleep hygiene by having a night time routine, waking up at a regular time, and having deep uninterrupted sleep. It helps regulate our moods and sets us up for a successful way to combat stressful situations.
Learn How to Say No
Our family, friends, or workplace dynamics can cause us stress during these times because you may be expected to do things that you simply do not want to do. If you are in a situation where you can feel negative emotions arise, it is a sign from your body, a request to say no. Saying no is just as important as saying yes. It means you respect yourself enough to listen to it when you are being stretched thin or in situations that you feel uncomfortable or unhappy in. The inability to say no can be a major reason for your stress.
Focus on Areas of Your Life that can be
Controlled
Lastly, no matter how much you try, sometimes, holiday seasons are plain stressful. This is your time to be able to control and focus on areas that you have autonomy over. Having some control over things can make you happier as it alleviates feelings of helplessness and frustration. This can mean choosing what to watch when you go to bed, doing your hair and makeup in ways you enjoy, or the way you cook or do your work.
Just Chill
Who’s the boss? The boss of our small company was complaining during a staff meeting that people didn’t respect him enough. Trying to change the attitude in the office, he came in the next day with a sign for his door that said, “I am the boss.”
One of the employees, apparently not appreciating the change, posted a post-it-note on the sign that said, “your wife wants her sign back.”
