Six Suggestions for Navigating Stress and Changes During the Holidays

Does it seem like there are additional changes and stress during the holidays, particularly the months of November and December?

I believe many of our stresses this time of year are because we all try to make the holidays "perfect." We try to achieve perfection, but the truth is we will never quite get there, only making ourselves exhausted when you add the regular events that occur, like birthdays, anniversaries, and fitting in doctor's appointments before the end of the year.

We also can have unrealistic expectations, contributing to fatigue, sadness, and tension.  Some changes are gloomy and hard to deal with, like the sentimental memories of a family member or loved one no longer with us, depression, and loneliness.  Still, other changes can be negative – for instance, last year, I found out I had breast cancer and then had surgery in the middle of December.  Since it was during the pandemic, I wasn't allowed to have anyone there with me (my husband waited in the parking garage).

This year is going to be very different.  We are excited that my daughter is getting married on New Year's Eve.  She has met the right young man, and we couldn't be happier.

Several suggestions for coping with the holidays and allowing them to flow more smoothly are:

1. Plan Ahead - (if possible) having a plan can help you feel more in control.
2. Make a Budget – many stresses come from finding the right gift for that person, but you need to remember your budget to avoid financial problems in the new year.
3. Get Some Rest - often, our routines and schedules are interrupted, leading to a lack of sleep, which leads to stress and anxiety.
4. Give Back to Your Community – since we are in the season of love and giving, volunteering your time or donating a gift is a sure way to feel good inside and know you are looking to the future.
5. Continue Your Healthy Habits – some form of exercise and eating healthy can help deal with those holiday treats and irritating family or friends. And the best policy for keeping conversations cordial and positive is not to talk politics.
6. Recharge Your Battery – take time for yourself. It's important to make quiet time for yourself, such as reading, meditating, listening to music, and prayer.

And let’s not forget those with the holiday blues or, more importantly, depression.  If your feelings continue past the new year, you should seek professional help.  I’ve included a couple of places to start.

• https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/why-we-get-depressed-during-holidays/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/holiday-depression-and-stress/

I want to close this blog by thanking all the readers who have shared their positive comments and suggestions over the last six months.  Writing this blog has been an honor, and I hope you enjoy it.  My goal is to help others deal with changes in their lives and at the same time, you learn some tidbits of my story (which are included in my book that I'm currently writing about my childhood entitled "Map of Goodbyes").

I wish you and yours a blessed holiday season!

Julie