Blog Posts

Hey friends, welcome back to the blog.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or is it? Maybe some of you can relate to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, depression, or dread when it comes to the holiday season.  This may come from past negative experiences with the holidays, high expectations of yourself or others, memories, stressful patterns that seem to occur with holidays, and sometimes the pressure emotionally, mentally, and physically.  Some of the most common stressors that I hear about from clients include: financial stress, unrealistic expectations,  busy schedules,  pressure to people please, the colder weather/dark and not getting to relax and enjoy the holidays.  Let me tell you, they are meant to be enjoyed.  Let’s talk about some ways to cope with holiday stress and make this holiday season more enjoyable.

1. Focus on gratitude.  I like to encourage clients and myself to increase gratitude practices going into the holidays.  This may include starting a gratitude journal, focusing on good things happening each day, or sharing positive things with supportive people.  Expressing gratitude can help increase connection and it can also help to keep the mind more focused on the good and positive things happening.  

2. Have more realistic expectations.  This includes setting realistic expectations for yourself and for others.  It’s also important to recognize you can’t control everything and everyone and to focus more on what is in your control.  We have another blog post about control if you need to explore this further.  

3. Set boundaries.  This may include setting time limits, financial limits, scheduling limits, etc.  Be realistic about what you can handle, who you can handle, and prioritizing quality over quantity.  We have another blog post about boundaries if you need to explore this further.  

4. Practice and apply self care.  The holidays are not meant to cause burn out, filling your social calendar to it’s max, or getting in debt over.  Practicing some self care and self compassion may include reminding yourself that you are also a human deserving of enjoying downtime, relaxation, and moments that bring you joy.

5. Practice mindfulness.  This can help to stay more in the moment, reduce anxiety, and practicing awareness of how you are thinking and feelings.  Some ways to practice mindfulness can include breathing exercises, engaging your five senses, and doing a check in with yourself in the moment.  The holidays can be an enjoyable time to practicing getting present with the five senses including looking at lights, listening to music, smelling enjoyable holidays scents, and tastes like peppermint or hot chocolate.  

6. Establish or maintain healthy habits.  Sometimes the holidays are a time we stop engaging in otherwise healthy habits, indulge more, or stop working on our health.  By continuing to focus on things like eating a balanced diet when we can, taking time to move our body, sleeping, and other healthy habits like stretching, yoga, and taking social media breaks; we can reduce stress this time of year. 

7. Seek support and reach out if you need help.  Sometimes it helps to talk to a loved one, trusted friend, or a professional if extra help and support is needed.

In the end, it’s not uncommon to feel some of the holiday blues this time of year, there is stress and pressure this time of year.  The weather is colder and it’s a lot darker.  The holidays are meant to be a time for celebration, enjoying time with people you love, and connection.  If you feel like you experience higher levels of stress, high anxiety, or depression at this time of year you don’t have to suffer alone.  By trying to find ways to cope or reaching out for more help, the holiday season can be more enjoyable.  

Thanks for reading, until next time.

Emilie Barragan, LCSW

“Tackling physical and emotional pain” – Therapeuo Health