The holidays are an EXTREMELY stressful time. It is the highest time frame for depression and anxiety (and if you suffer from seasonal depression such as myself it is DEFINITELY a rough time).
So let's talk about how we can manage our holiday stress and keep our anxiety attacks and depressive episodes to a minimum.
HOW TO MANAGE HOLIDAY STRESS
Set and enforce clear boundaries.
You don't have to take disrespect or discomfort. Make sure the people in your life know that in order to be in your life and spend this time with you they will have to respect you.
Shop from home.
Remove the hassle of hustle and bustle from the picture.
Don't try to drink (or smoke) it away
Using substances to soothe yourself will start an entirely different problem.
Sleep.
Sometimes rest can really be what you need during the holidays. Don't starve yourself of it trying to be everything for everyone.
Be fr fr about self-care
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Take a bubble bath. Wash your hair. Get your nails done. Whatever self care means to you... DO IT.
Start your day doing something you genuinely enjoy
I start my day with coffee. It's one of my favorite things and I am sure to indulge and enjoy.
Lean on your loved ones (that love you back properly).
Lean on those who support you.
Do what you can with what you have.
Don't put too much pressure on yourself. The holidays are about loved ones, not anything else. Screw presents. Those that love you truly, won't complain about anything other than your absence.
This can be a tough time of year for you.. especially in these days.. but you do not have to add to it by not putting yourself first.
How will you be spending the holidays?
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