The holidays are a time of joy for many. But for many they are a big source of stress or even depression. Stress management tips and recognizing limitations and boundaries can help you transition from ‘getting through the holidays’ to enjoying them. Many people in West Palm Beach look for a West Palm Beach therapist at this time of year because a therapist can help you in a number of ways.
Here are some big sources of holiday stress as well as some helpful tips:
Financial Stress
Financial woes put a big amount of stress on people around the holidays. You can only do what you can do. Set a budget and stick to it so that you don’t escalate stress levels into serious financial woes due to holiday expectations. Consider talking frankly with family and friends about drawing names for gifts, setting low spending limits, making homemade gifts, or simply spending time together without overspending. There is an increase in people trying to take the commercialism out of the holidays. Perhaps you want to consider this. In addition to talking to a West Palm Beach therapist about your stress, it could be prudent to talk to a financial planner to help you with your holiday budget, keeping in mind that you shouldn’t go into debt for Christmas presents otherwise financial stress could last all year long.
Time Management
Busy people find the holidays overwhelming what with shopping, work, social functions, and expectations to decorate the home, visit with friends, etcetera. Establish a calendar and be sure you don’t overbook yourself. Learning to decline invitations as well as keeping your own limitations in mind when it comes to shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, etc. is important. West Palm Beach therapist services can also help you with time management in the form of life coaching.
Family Woes
Do you feel stress over family woes during the holidays? Whether it’s the expectations you put on yourself or the expectations others seem to put on you, family woes can be a major cause of holiday stress levels. Setting limits and making your wishes known is important. Many of us defer to what our family wants and sacrifice our own happiness. If you need help determining how to set boundaries and articulate your wants to family members, therapy can help you sort through that.
Bad Memories
Bad memories, lost loved ones, and broken down relationships can make holiday stress worse. If there’s an anniversary during the holidays of losing a loved one, it’s important to find ways to acknowledge the anniversary without letting it consume you during the holidays. Those who find ways to balance these emotions can still enjoy this time of year. Don’t be afraid to seek help if this is an area you are having difficulty with.
Overall Pressure
Overall, the holidays are meant to be a joyous time. If that’s not what they are for you, it’s up to you to find ways to make things easier and / or to remove yourself from situation that exacerbate feelings of sadness, anger, or general depression at this time of the year.
The holidays aren’t enjoyable for absolutely everyone. Regardless of family and social pressures, it’s up to you to decide how you want to celebrate or not celebrate.
If needed, look to self-help books to help you with your mindset or seek out therapy to help you articulate your emotions and find stress management coping skills. Bradley Van Hoek offers West Palm Beach therapist services and is taking on new patients.
