Written by Paige Wacker, C Ht./Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
As we head into the holiday season we also head into a very stressful time of year for most people. Three triggers to holiday stress can be relationships, finances and the additional physical demands during the holiday season. When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. So here are a few tips to prevent stress in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
1) Acknowledge your feelings. If something saddens you at this time of year realize that it’s normal to feel these feelings and allow yourself to take a few moments to cry or express your feelings. Then think about how much you appreciate about your life, and spend a few moments just allowing appreciation to flow and feel that feeling.
2) Reach out. If you feel lonely, seek out community or other social events. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broadens your friendships.
3) Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, open up to the possibility of new traditions and rituals. The only constant in our lives is change. Embracing it if often the most empowering thing we can do.
4) Set aside differences. Try to accept people as they are, even if the don’t live up to all of your expectations. Choose who you want to spend time with and make that happen. Allow everyone to be free to make their own decisions about where to go and what to do.
5) Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. You might even try donating to a charity in someone’s name or giving homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange to make it reasonably easy on the checkbook.
6) Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking and visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus ahead and make your shopping lists. This prevents last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And it’s ok to line up help for the party prep and cleanup.
7) Learn to say NO! Saying yes when you want to say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. Realize when you already have a busy schedule that adding extra this time of year can be really stressful. Just say no. It is a complete answer.
8) Keep up with your healthy habits. Overindulgence can add to stress. Continue to eat as healthy as possible and remember to get plenty of sleep and stay with you physical activity to stay healthy through the holidays.
9) Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Taking 15 minutes for yourself alone, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and do some stargazing. Listen to soothing music. Find something that allows you to clear your mind, self-hypnosis works great, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
10) Seek professional help if you need it. If you find yourself plagued by persistently sad or anxious feelings seeking help from a professional can often be very helpful. A good certified clinical hypnotherapist can help with any of these issues and learning to use self-hypnosis can continue the healthful benefits long into the future.
I hope these tips help you to have a most enjoyable holiday season. Blessings to you and yours and May this holiday season bring you all of your heart’s desires.
If you would like the help of a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist contact HypnoPaige at (405) 564-4766. paige@hypnopaige.com.
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