It's not unusual to feel a bit ambivalent about the festive season. For many, the heightened expectations and pressure of holiday events make this time of year a bit stressful. But if you plan ahead and focus on what you really enjoy about this time of year, you can get the most out of it with the minimum amount of distress. Here are some tips on keeping your cool during the festive season:
- Have realistic expectations: Let go of your ideas of perfection and notions of what your celebrations "should" be like. Things go wrong, family members argue, kids spill things on valuables, it happens. Rather live in the moment and focus on the meaningful moments.
- Accept your feelings: If you're not feeling joyful or relaxed, don’t be too hard on yourself. These feelings are completely normal. If you are feeling persistently sad or anxious, however, it’s best to consult a counsellor or mental health professional as soon as possible.
- Identify your stressors: Try to identify what is stressing you out and how you are dealing with it. Then find a way of dealing with it or reframing it so that it doesn’t cause so much stress.
- Prioritise your time: Make two lists of everything you want to accomplish, from chores to leisure time. Put the less pleasant activities that you must do on one list and more enjoyable activities on the other. Then combine the two lists, interchanging "must do's" with "want to do's". This way, you can be productive and have a good time.
- Set limits: Be realistic about what you can do, and schedule time for breaks. It's important to make time for yourself.
Don't feel obligated to accept every party invitation - be choosy! Spend time with people whose company you enjoy. - Share responsibility: Don't take responsibility for everything. Delegate some of the shopping, cooking, party planning, and other holiday activities.
- Exercise: Exercise will not only help you manage the stress, but will also help you ward off the weight gain that normally accompanies the festive season.
- Limits: Limit your alcohol, caffeine and sugar intake. It might make you feel better in the short term, but will only increase your stress after the initial "high". It also induces fatigue.
