Surviving the Holidays
Know your triggers and prepare to manage them.Holidays are usually a time for amazing food, travel, and for most people a lot of family interactions. While spending time with family can be fun, it is not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed or experience an increase in anxiety at some point during the holiday season.
- Don’t stop engaging in self-care. self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too.
- Know your triggers and prepare to manage them. A trigger is an experience that takes us back into the past that causes old feeling and behaviors to arise.
- Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
- Slow down. Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one, but it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness.
While these tips won’t guarantee a stress-free holiday season, they may help decrease your anxiety and increase overall health and wellness. ENJOY the holiday season and most importantly, the time with those you love!