Written by: Stacey Henry-Carr, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you make the same comments about the holiday season every year? Do you speak about how stressed and overwhelmed you are as soon as the summer ends? This is the time of year that we celebrate with our families, delicious food, decorations, and gifts. Yet, it can be one of the most stressful times of year for many people. And if it wasn’t challenging enough, we added a global pandemic to the equation. The same things that make the holidays joyful for some people cause stress and anxiety for others.
This year is no different for many people who are feeling the pressures of the season. Some people are still grieving their life before COVID-19 causing added stressors and uncertainty. Some people are struggling with whether it is safe to travel to be with their families. Others are experiencing anxieties about being around their families.
If you search the internet, you will find numerous statistics about stress and depression during the holiday season. However, I would encourage you to poll your friends and family about their stress levels around the holidays. For me, the results were staggering as to how many of them experienced stress for various reasons. You will find that you are not alone. You may gain some coping tips from each other.
Some of the things that cause stress during the holiday season are:
Family trauma- I don’t want to be around my family.
Lack of money- I don’t have enough money to buy gifts.
Food issues- I don’t want to overeat.
Not feeling good enough-The house has to be perfect.
Lack of boundaries- I wish I could just say no.
Loss of a loved one- I am going to miss him/her more.
Comparison with others- I am still not married.
Traveling - The traffic is going to be hectic.
Entertaining guests- There is too much to do.
Feeling obligated-I don’t want to do this.
Regardless of what is causing the holiday season to not be the most wonderful time of the year for you, you can create peace of mind. If you experience difficulties during the holiday season, it is time to identify the root cause. When you can identify the root cause, you can develop a plan and improve your coping skills. Ask yourself these questions and reflect on your answers.
When did you start having challenges with the holiday season?
How old were you?
What major event happened?
How did it make you feel?
What would your life during the holidays look like without this problem?
In addition to reflecting to find your root cause, I encourage you to work on staying calm. Here are some tips on creating your peace and staying calm during the holiday season:
Get proper rest- Have a scheduled sleep time and try your best to stick it.
Plan your day in advance-Create a schedule so that you know what to expect. Leave room for unexpected events and schedule downtime.
Eat a colorful diet - Add serotonin-producing foods to your meals.
Don’t over-spend- Create a budget and stick to it! Avoid financial regrets.
Be grateful for the small things - When you say what you are grateful for it changes your perspective. Start writing in a gratitude journal.
Get out in nature- Try to get out in the sun and fresh air.
Exercise- Find a way to add movement to your day.
Meditate-Allow yourself time to still your mind so that you can hear your thoughts.
If you try the tips outlined in this article and you are still feeling the holiday blues reach out to a professional for help. Create a peaceful and happy holiday season!
Stacey Henry-Carr, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stacey Henry-Carr is an ex-corporate leader who now helps people identify, interrupt, and replace blockers to live more meaningful and intentional lives. She is a Jay Shetty Certified Life Coach, Marisa Peer Certified Hypnotherapist, and an author of "Live Your Truth and Break the Cycle." She practices authentic leadership and servitude in everything she does. She has always had a passion for helping others to become their best selves.
She has a passion for reading, writing, traveling, dancing, singing off-key, and the beach. She spends her days coaching clients, writing, and creating meditation recordings. Stacey has overcome her life challenges which have strengthened her will to serve others. She believes that her true legacy to her children will be the lives she has touched by motivating and inspiring others to change. She writes inspiring quotes such as "Visualize what you desire and laugh out loud as if it is already accomplished."
