Therapy Thursday

Coping Strategies for the Holidays

How are you managing your stress and regulating your emotions during this traditionally busy time of the year?

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following coping strategies:

Reach Out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out religious or other social communities such as your local YMCA.
Be Realistic. Even though your holiday plans may look different because of the pandemic or other issues, you can find ways to celebrate.
Acknowledge Your Feelings. It is normal and okay to feel a range of feelings, including sadness, grief, and happiness, during the holidays.
Take a Break for Yourself. Find an activity that clears your mind and makes you feel good.
Keep Up Your Health Habits. Eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep, maintain your regular exercise routine, and take a breather from technology.
Be Budget Savvy. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts, parties and other festivities, and food, and stick to it.
Plan Ahead. Effective planning can help prevent last-minute scrambling and often increased stress.
Learn to Say No. Friends and colleagues will understand if you cannot participant in every activity.
Take Control. Recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures, so you can prevent them.
Get Help if You Need it. If you feel persistently irritable, hopeless or sad and unable to fulfill your daily routine, talk to a mental health professional. Many employers offer this service as part of a EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) free of charge. If you are insured by Anthem you might have Live Health Online available to you. It is okay to not be okay. We are in this together.

Reference

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