There’s no doubt that stress can be high during the holiday season. Given the fact the country is still dealing with the pandemic, which has adversely affected so many lives, this holiday the stress may be even higher.

Dr. Cassidy Blair of Blair Wellness Group is a licensed clinical psychologist who can help with stress. We offer anxiety and stress management counseling services to help you get through challenging times. Below, we’ll offer up some tips on how you can reduce your stress levels over the holiday season. Get in touch to get started today!

TIPS TO REDUCE STRESS OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Invest in Yourself

Many of us can become so busy doing for others during the holiday season that we forget to take care of ourselves. Yet, if we neglect self-care, we can end up feeling even worse over the holiday season. It’s important that you ensure your basic needs are taken care of, such as making time to get enough rest and eat healthy meals, as well as ensuring physical care, such as getting a massage to work out knots in your body or sticking to an exercise routine. And don’t forget your mental health, too. If you are feeling a bit more blue than you are used to, our therapists here at Blair Wellness Group are here to help. Reach out today.

Say “No”

With so many activities going on during the holiday season, you may feel pressured to attend as many as possible. However, it’s okay to say “no” to some of these get-togethers so that you can have time for self-care and relaxation. You may let a friend or family member down, but just be honest in how you are feeling, and they should understand. Plus, don’t forget to stay grounded, so carve away some alone time for yourself. Go on a long walk one morning, meditate, or do something by yourself so you can stay connected to yourself during these busy times, too.

Remember What the Holidays Are All About

If you watch TV or YouTube on a regular basis, you know that this is the time where retail stores make it into the black. While this is important, consumerism is not what the holidays are all about. You don’t need to stress about getting your hands on the latest “it” toy or game for the holidays. Nor do you need to break the bank in purchasing expensive gifts for loved ones. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not all that important. What is important are your friends and family. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to get the perfect gift for everyone in your family; instead, your presence is all that truly matters.

Make Your Gifts

There are many benefits to making gifts that you give to others. First, these gifts are extra special because they send the message to the other person that you care about them deeply since you took the time to make them a gift rather than just grabbing a gift card while standing in the check-out aisle. Plus, the act of crafting something by hand can be a great stress relief. Whether you love to embroider or you like to whittle, the time you spend in these activities will fly by, as will your worry and anxieties. Plus, you will save money and not have to stress over finding the perfect gift.

Divide and Conquer

One great way to help manage holiday stress is to not undertake everything yourself. After all, there can be a lot to do, from baking cookies for the neighbors to buying and wrapping presents, attending holiday parties, and the like. Instead, enlist family friends or family members to help. Even the smallest children can help with wrapping presents, placing bows, help with tree decorating, and so much more. If you are stressed about a big holiday meal you are hosting, encourage your guests to bring their favorite side dish, so you don’t have to worry about every last detail of the meal.

Don’t Obsess Over the News

Too many people fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others. And, the internet and social media play right into this. However, what many fail to realize is that the image they see on TV of “happy” people is just that — an image. It is not reality. And with the advent of technology, anyone can airbrush their life to portray perfection. The trap lies when we buy into this image and think our lives must mirror it, which can cause us stress when we don’t quite succeed. Our therapists recommend that you keep your news and social media engagement to a bare minimum. In truth, very little of what you see is real; instead, spend time cultivating your reality.

Give Back

Many of us lead so very busy lives that we forget to give back to others. Studies have shown that the giver benefits as much as those who receive, and there’s no better time to give back than during the holiday season when many are lacking. When you decide to spend an afternoon volunteering at your local homeless shelter or food bank, you’ll make a real impact in others’ lives and your spirit will be lifted, too. Plus, if you are struggling with depression during the holiday season, giving will help distract you from your worries and help cultivate gratitude, too.

CONTACT US IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING DURING THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON

We hope the tips above will help you survive the rush of the holidays. Staying grounded in the season and not getting caught up in expectations will help ensure your stress levels stay low. Our licensed psychologist, Dr. Cassidy Blair of Blair Wellness Group, can help you if you need some additional tools to reduce stress during this season. And, if you are struggling to set a time where you can make a counseling appointment in person, we offer telehealth appointments, too. Get in touch to get started today!