Dr. Susan Bettis, Director of Training & Clinical Services in our counseling program, offers tips for holiday season stressors.
It is the perfect storm; the season of the longest “to-do list” and the shortest day of the year. The first day of winter arrives four days before Christmas and often in the middle of Chanukah. The demands increase as our natural energy slows us down. The demands on our time increase. There is shopping to do, parties to attend, meals to prepare. A trip to the mall can feel like an expedition to Everest. There has to be a better way. Here are some suggestions.
Tips for Holiday Season Stress
1) Maintain a sleep schedule. Maintain your normal hours of sleep to meet the increased demands. In fact, it may be a good idea to sleep a bit more.
2) In spite of a disrupted schedule, holidays parties, and the continual stream of holiday goodies, maintain a diet that you know is healthy and works for you.
3) Be wary of too much eggnog and grog. Alcohol can deplete the energy resources you need and definitely rearrange your sleep architecture in ways that leave one compromised.
4) Guard your alone time and make plenty of time for friends and family. Be intentional about balance.
5) Get outside and enjoy the lights and decorations that are only around this time of the year.
6) Practice mindfulness techniques that both keep your grounded and connected to the wonder of this time of the year.
Whatever your winter holiday of choice, enjoy.