This is it. The time of year is approaching. This is the time of year where most everyone begins to stress out about all of the things that they have to get done before the holidays: the shopping, the cooking, the work, the planning. But if you're spending all of your time stressing, how will you get to enjoy the time you'll spend during this holiday season doing whatever it is you like to do? Here are a few helpful tips for how to stay happy and healthy this holiday season.
1. Do something that helps you unwind.
If once during this time of year is enough because the thing is skydiving or taking a trip to somewhere exotic, that's fine. If three times a week is what you need because it's going to the gym or riding your horse, that's fine too! But whatever your thing is, do it! It will help you relax a little bit and melt away some of the stress that comes with the holiday season. Allow yourself to restore your energy and recenter your focus by eliminating some of the negativity for a little bit.
2. Write it down.
I know it sounds a little bit juvenile, and maybe a little silly, but take it from the psych major, there's a reason it's a heavily used form of therapy. Writing down the things that are making you feel overwhelmed can help you get over the hurdles that those problems are creating. Sometimes it's just cathartic to write things down so that you can get it out of your head and move on. Some people find it helpful to create a new story out of it, some people just find it helpful to write down some stuff to vent about the situation they are in.
3. Talk about it.
If writing it down seems silly, then talk about it. Find someone you trust to talk to about everything that is going on. You could even find a perfect stranger to talk to if you want to because for some people, that is a lot easier. Some people feel less judgment when they talk to people they don't know well. Some people seek the comfort of those they love to know they can turn to. And if things don't feel better when you talk to someone you know, try finding a professional who knows how to help a little better. See if you can find a psychologist in your area, or even a free clinic. They usually have some kind of mental health support too, or can at least lead you to some.
4. Get a jump start on things if you can.
If you have the ability to do so, getting some shopping done early on for whatever holidays you celebrate can help prevent some of the worst stress you normally encounter. If it's a gift giving holiday, do your gift shopping early. If it's a food-centric holiday, obviously you have to wait until the day before or so to get some products, but you could at least have a list of what you need to get when you do go shopping. Just try to get everything done before the day of so that you don't have to worry about it when you're with the people you care about.
It's a bit of a small list, I know. But if you follow these four steps, your life may feel a whole lot easier during this stressful time of year. Good luck, and do your best to stay afloat. Just know that you can find help if you're looking for it.
