HOLIDAY STRESS: How to Make The Most of Your Holiday Season
HOLIDAY STRESS: How to Make The Most of Your Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is the start of the Holiday Season for many of us.
Also, for many, it is the start of chaos. This may include,
Multiple expectations
Family drama
Increased pressure
Excitement and disappointment
How can you make the most of your holiday??? Here are some thoughts:
Keep reasonable expectations. If your family generally interacts like they are in the Rosanne show, do not expect them to be the Brady Bunch at the holidays. (Am I showing my age?!) Do not expect more from others or yourself than is reasonable. Do not choose to have those extra foods, presents, and other things if it means increased stress and a decrease in your enjoyment.
Do not over schedule yourself. Sure you want to (or are expected to) see everyone. But is that possible? Will it cause more stress than happiness?
Expectations from others. Are you participating in events because you are expected to or because you want to? If it is only about expectations, why are you doing it? Are you missing out on moments with your children because Grandma, Cousin Joe, and Aunt Sue all want you at their homes for the holidays? Find out what works best for your family first. Others may have to be at a different time. Maybe even a different day.
Family Drama
This is more than a bullet point. It needs its own section!
Someone said to me recently, “Karen, I bet this time of year you are working over time, with the holidays and everyone’s family drama.”
It does have a tendency to be a big topic at this time.
Like I said above, your family is not going to suddenly be all sweet and get along if they normally do not. Even the best families have an increase in difficulties at this time due to the extra stressors at the holidays.
So start with the bullet points above. Then…
List your priorities
List your expectations (good or bad)
Have a rough plan on how to avoid or make those expectations happen. But remember to be flexible.
Do not try to control things that are not yours to control.
Remember to have fun. These can be very special times in your life Enjoy it.
Happy Holidays to you!
Karen Baum MA, LPCC-S
419.277.4355
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