Stress Building Practices, Part 4: Holiday stress

This month I have been talking about stress and strategies to help you deal with stress. Thanksgiving will give you the opportunity to take a break from your daily work stress. Although, the holidays may be causing you another kind of stress, especially if you are preparing the meal or even just getting together with friends and family. So how can you ease some of the stress associated with the Holidays?

So how about the stress that occurs even without any conflict? There is stress you create for yourself. The holidays can be a perfect storm. The planning, tasks, expectations and coordination can be a lot to handle. A person who is usually calm and easy to get along with can become difficult to deal with when hosting a holiday event. Here are some things to remember:

Things do not have to be perfect.
You can ask for help.
It is about sharing your day.

So what do you do if you know the holiday season is particularly difficult for you? Relationships with family and friends are complicated. Try to stay on common ground and not to rise to the bait when someone hits a sore point for your. These people know your triggers. Keep in mind that you know their triggers too. It can be tempting to push back, but the more you stay away from irritating or aggravating others, the more pleasant the holiday will be. It may even take your relationship with your family to a different level.

Not having any of your family or friends near you can bring up so many other issues. See if you can meet up with other people who are also alone for the holidays. Invite someone to have dinner with you. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and use this time to do something that makes you happy.

Whether you are with family or on your own, a great thing to bring up the spirit of Thanksgiving and something that will benefit you is volunteering. This time of year offers the opportunity to share your time with others. Soup kitchens need help to serve meals on the holiday. You may be able to deliver meals to families in need.

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all the things you hold dear. Take the time to look back on good memories and appreciate all you have. Make it a point to notice all the positive aspects of your life. Commit to making your life a little better by making small changes each day.

I invite you to share your thoughts and maybe share what small changes you would like to bring into your life.