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Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress

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Written by Tracey Ruehlicke, Team Lead for Here 24/7

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays can bring great joy, but for many they can be a difficult time. Increased social and family obligations, financial strain, and coping with loss and loneliness can be just a few things that people are dealing with over the holidays. For people who live with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression the stress of the holidays can be very overwhelming.

Here are some strategies to help you cope this holiday season:

Here are some self care ideas:

Exercise is always beneficial but if that is not your thing or you have physical limitations you can exercise other ways. For some yoga, walking, jogging, swimming; anything physical is helpful. For others sitting quietly listening to music, visiting with a friend in person or by phone, working on a hobby, enjoying a scented candle or a bubble bath or maybe allowing yourself to take a nap is the best plan. Volunteering is a way to help others while reaping the benefit of self-satisfaction. A win win.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can also impact wellness. It is getting dark very early and our bodies don’t always get the sunshine we need to naturally keep us well. If the gloom becomes too much talk to your health practitioner who might recommend a SAD lamp which provides artificial sunshine to your body or you could try sitting by a window in the sunshine if you can’t go outside for a walk.

End of Year Resolution Stress:

There is often a lot of pressure to create a resolution for the New Year. For many people this further worsens their feelings of sadness/isolation/failure. Instead try revisiting all the things that you are proud of from the last year – trying new things, helping others, asking for and accepting help, making it through each day even though you had thoughts of giving up.

Most importantly – Stress is a normal part of everyone’s life. We cannot eliminate it, it is part of being human. What we need to do is find ways to manage it so it doesn’t take control. If it gets to a point where you are feeling trapped by it or if you find yourself in crisis please call Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.

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