Most of us love the holiday but it can bring on a great deal
of stress, depression and anxiety for some of us. Getting together with family
should be something we look forward to right? Some would disagree. Do you have
a family member you just can’t stand to be around? Or someone you have
unresolved issues. Do you have a
dysfunctional family? Are you expected to buy gifts for all of your
relatives?
Do you have to travel to get to your family? All these things
are typical and more importantly most of us have some type of stress during the holidays. I’ve put together
some tips for coping hopefully you can apply one or two of them to your holiday
and make it a little less stressful for yourself.
1.
Do your best to stick to a budget. Money or the lack of it can be very stressful and it at the top of the list for a reason. Drawing names
in a large or even a small family can help. Setting a limit on the amount of
the gift can also help. Make homemade or baked gifts. If you have a family member who is in charge! Most of us do, ask them for some help. They can set the tone for the party and change things up because chance are you are not the only one that is broke this year.
2.
You can’t pick your family member but do your
best to resolve any conflicts prior to the family Christmas party and if
someone owes you money don’t pick the family party to confront them about
paying you back. If you can not do these
things maybe choosing to spend Christmas with friends instead of family might
be wiser and less stressful.
3.
If your family is far away and your feeling
anxious about not having the money to travel during the holiday, just don’t…
take that pressure off yourself by visiting your family via video chat,
pictures, email or some other form of communication. Instead pick a less
traveled time to visit loved one that is less expensive.
4.
If you and your better half have a hard time
deciding just who’s family you will be spending time with try to even things
out. By doing this routinely you will avoid this very common conflict. Choose
to spend Thanksgiving with one and Christmas with the other. Or alternate each year with each side of the
family. I know this sounds so simple but some of us have a hard time expressing
ourselves and go year after year doing what your hubby or wife want to do. Express
yourself and you will feel better.
5.
Learn to say “NO” taking on too much in such a
small amount of time can make you crazy! Too many Christmas parties, too many
luncheons, charity dinners. Limit yourself and your outings you will thank
yourself in January.
6.
Remember to be realistic about the holidays
don’t expect it to be perfect.
7.
Last of not least take some time for yourself
during this very busy time. Reduce your stress by taking a walk, take a long
bath, go for a swim, go to the gym, go bird watching, count the stars, just do
something you enjoy and take a minute to reflect. RELAX and enjoy the holiday.
We all have different types of stress and
anxiety we deal with just remember you are not alone. If you are
unable to cope and need help, don’t be ashamed because we all need a
little help from time to time. I’ve put a link and national Hotline below for help if needed.
Thank you for visiting my blog, I would
love to hear your comments or suggestions. Follow along by email or RSS feed.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1
800-273-TALK
FOR A LIST OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CRISIS GO TO:
Merry Christmas
Roxy
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