Holidays, especially long ones, are not only fun, but also stressful. Changes in the usual daily routine and household chores do not allow us to relax and plunge into the atmosphere of the holiday.
Commitments made
Holiday stress begins with the word "must." I "must" do it or go there somewhere. I “should” organize a luxurious gala dinner for my family and buy presents.
Beware of the word "must." You can take on too many responsibilities, and then feel guilty that you could not justify the excessive expectations that you came up with for yourself. Being in a depressed mood, you will not want to do anything, and then you will feel guilty for ignoring your loved ones.
When the energy is at zero, it’s difficult to mobilize forces to come up with holiday ideas, especially if they have never been of particular interest to you.
But this is only part of the problem. You can constantly feel the pressure that forces you to participate in the holiday race. You are pressured by the need to create a joyful mood for those around you, carefully think through the menu for a family dinner, attend many celebrations at work or at the school where children study.
Do only what you want and are ready to do. Learn to say no so as not to bind yourself with overwhelming obligations.
High expectations
High expectations are traps of consciousness. On holidays, they manifest themselves as an invented set of standards that you try to follow based on unattainable ideals from the covers of magazines, television programs and what your grandmother once inspired you to do.
Trying to live up to unrealistic expectations will bring you more frustration and stress than pleasure. Determine what you can really do. Set small attainable goals. Break each of them into small steps. The simpler your tasks during the holiday week, the more fun you will get.
Another source of stress during the holidays is a violation of the usual daily routine, which is invaded by relatives' visits, shopping in crowded shopping centers, preparing a festive dinner and buying gifts for loved ones. It takes more time and brings more experiences than you thought. People who are depressed or suffering from mood disorders are even more difficult to cope with the New Year's bustle.
Guests
The third source of stress is the need to meet with relatives, family members or old friends with whom you have not seen for a long time and already have little in common. You may feel the oppression of this duty, which interferes with the anticipation of joy from meeting the holiday, but you do it for the sake of “family”.
How not to succumb to "festive stress"?
1. Try to limit the effects of any stressful situation., event or person. If it is impossible to politely refuse a festive feast with your family, minimize the time you spend with relatives.
2. Follow the usual daily routine, including diet (if you adhere to a specific diet), sleep and exercise. Enjoy fine dining, but don’t pass or drink too much alcohol so you don’t regret later.
3. Set priorities in deeds and responsibilities. Do not overload yourself. Break big tasks into small steps. Keep a calendar or to-do list if you're used to doing this.
4. Relax. Use relaxation techniques, meditate. Do not regret the past and worry less about the future.
5. Use humorto distract your mind, a funny book or a New Year’s movie will improve your mood and give you strength.
