It's the Most Stressful Time of the Year!

Growing up, the holidays were SO MUCH FUN! What child doesn’t enjoy getting to stay up late, eating lots of sugar, and getting a break from school. Now as an adult, I’ve come to realize the end of the year is actually one of the most stressful times of the year. The lack of routine, the over stimulation of lights and people. The struggle to keep a smile on your face while adding all these extra things to your schedule. 

I’ve come to realize that many people struggle with this time of the year. It might have to do with forced family interactions, the weather, grief/loss, or just a lack of connections to the holiday’s. If you also struggle and have complicated and mixed feelings about the end of the year, you’re not alone. Sometimes when we compare our experience with the movies, songs and social media pictures, we end up feeling worse. As though we’re not doing something right and missing out on this joyous time. It isn’t joyous for everyone. Below are some practical tips, if you also find yourself struggling. 

1. Accept Your Feelings
   The holidays can bring up a range of emotions for people. Sometimes you can even experience seemingly contradictory emotions all at once. Try your best to acknowledge and accept your emotions rather than place judgment or criticism on them. It’s OK to feel happy; it’s OK to feel sad; it’s even OK to feel both happy and sad. Give yourself compassion and allow yourself to sit with whatever you’re feeling.

2. Maintain Healthy Habits
   For many people, the holidays lead to a massive disruption in your daily routine. But maintaining healthy habits like going to therapy, getting enough sleep and exercising are critical to keeping your mental health on track.

3. Set Boundaries
   People like to be generous during the holidays, but that generosity doesn’t have to come at the expense of having healthy boundaries. If hosting an event or buying an expensive gift is too stressful, it’s OK to say no. It’s also OK to limit the time you spend with family, especially if you have a complicated dynamic with them.  

4. Make Time To Connect
   Connection and meaning are critical to our mental health. Make time for your important relationships and connect with yourself through self-care. You can even connect with loved ones who are no longer with you through a family tradition or a personal remembrance ritual. If you’ve lost a loved one, you can listen to a song that helps you feel connected to them or spend time talking to them or write a letter. 

This holiday season — whether you find it to be the most wonderful or most difficult time of the year — I hope you’ll join me in taking care of your mental health by accepting whatever emotions come up, maintaining healthy habits, setting boundaries on stressors and making time for meaningful connection.