Mental Health Tuesday is broadcast the first Tuesday of every month by KULY, 1420 AM, in Ulysses.
Today's topic is Holiday Stress.
The most important element in managing increased stress over the holidays is to focus on your reasons for celebrating the holidays in the first place. Before getting caught up in all the activity, take some time to reflect on what the holidays mean to you. Perhaps, religious or spiritual meanings are most important to you. Perhaps, time spent with family and friends comes to mind. Maintaining tradition may be what motivates you the most. Whatever it might be, take some time to consciously put it into words and come back to that meaning again and again so that it remains the focus and context of all you do.
That being said, three areas stand out as the most common areas of holiday stress:
1. Relationships. Any problems that you might have with your family are likely to get worse when you are all under stress. On the other hand, those without family or separated from family may feel lonely and even envious of the family stress of others. To cope with this kind of stress, consider the following:
Be forgiving. Now is a good time to set aside grievances, at least for the holidays. In fact, it might even be a good time to let go of old hurts and grudges! Remember that people can and do change sometimes.
Be honest. Don't try to put on a smile and force yourself to feel something you don't. Say "no" to holiday plans if you really don't want to participate in something. You may have a good reason to not feel in the holiday spirit this year. Acknowledge this and realize it is normal.
Be realistic. Traditions change over time, as do people. Realize that grown children and grandchildren may not celebrate the way you might wish they would. If your family is scattered across the country, find new ways to celebrate together from afar.
Be charitable. If you are alone for the holidays, and bothered by it, then find some charitable or volunteer project that is consistent with your holiday values.
2. Finances. Know your budget and stick to it. We are all tempted to overspend on gifts, travel, food and entertainment. There is a reason that merchants call last Friday "Black Friday." If they have been "in the red," then they are probably now "in the black." Make sure that putting the merchants in the black does not put you in the red!
Stick to a budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on the holidays before you go shopping. When you go shopping, stick to that amount! Using cash rather than credit can help.
Plan ahead. Group your shopping trips together with a clear idea of what you are going to go get. Avoid buying on impulse.
3. Physical demands. The holidays can be exhausting with shopping, parties, preparing meals. Exhaustion decreases your ability to deal with stress.
Exercise. Especially with shorter, colder days it is easy to reduce the amount of physical activity you were used to in the summer. Stay healthy! Take a walk.
Eat right. Do not let go of healthy eating habits because of the holidays. Are you eating "comfort food" or too many extra cookies? Be aware of what you are doing and stay focused on your long term health.
Watch the alcohol. You may end up going to a number of parties. Be careful not to overindulge. Too much alcohol only adds to your stress in the long run. Moderation is always the key.
And, finally, don't take yourself too seriously. When problems come up, and they will, face them with humor and with confidence that comes from knowing why you are doing all this in the first place. You did figure that out already, right?
