Avoiding Burnout This Holiday Season
Holidays bring joy and laughter, with visions of roasted chestnuts on an open fire and cheerful celebrations. However, most people experience the holiday season with pressure, anxiety, depression and stress. Why does this happen? First, most people put pressure on themselves with high expectations for the holiday and memories of holidays past haunting them. Individuals become overwhelmed with current demands and the added extra activities that holidays bring, such as parties and get-togethers. Some people focus on holidays past and compare them to the present, becoming sad or depressed. The overwhelming stress and emotions that arise in these examples can lead to over-doing-it behaviors, such as overeating and drinking. These behaviors create even more difficulties and challenges.
The truth is that someone’s balloon will get a pin stuck in it this holiday season. This is usually self-imposed by comparing the past with the present, high expectations of yourself and others, and the media images of the holidays of cozy families, loving couples and blissful reunions. These media images leave no room for sadness, depression and stress that may arise during the season to be jolly.
The best way to be a holiday optimist and cope this season is to use these tips right away:
♦ Do not expect to recreate the memories of past holidays. Create new memories today and be grateful for the present. Be aware that memories of the past are usually distorted or selected on a few specific memories and may be misleading. Remember: Be a holiday optimist by focusing on the pleasures you want — not feelings you do not want. Also, keep uplifting thoughts in your mind and focus on creating a great future.
♦ Make a schedule and a plan. If you have a lot to do, such as shopping, cooking or attending social events, make a schedule for yourself. Don’t shop the day before Christmas, because you will be more inclined to impulse purchases, make hasty decisions, and overspending. Don’t make yourself a victim of last-minute panic.
♦ Don’t over-celebrate by eating or drinking more than your usual amount. Many people cope with uneasy feelings during holidays by soothing themselves with food or alcohol. Instead, turn to a friend for a hug, fun, support or to let out your feelings.
♦ Keep your priorities in focus. You do not have to attend a party or celebration just because you were invited. Remember: You have choices, so be selective about your time. Prioritize your invitations and ask yourself if those really are people you want to spend time with.
♦ Chill-out & De-Tox Your Mind. Indulge yourself! Set aside some time for yourself, even if it is for only 15-20 minutes each day. This will allow you not only to re-charge but also get rid of bad or draining thoughts so you have more energy to enjoy holiday activities.
♦ Get real. Be realistic: You can only do so much.
Let others know if you need a hand. Don’t play superman or superwoman. And know that when you ask for help and get others involved in cooking or preparing for the holiday it brings them closer together. Therefore you are also helping them.
For information on Dr. Mercer’s books and tools to improve your life please go to
https://positivelifeanswers.com/online-store/
Avoiding Burnout This Holiday Season
Holidays bring joy and laughter, with visions of roasted chestnuts on an open fire and cheerful celebrations. However, most people experience the holiday season with pressure, anxiety, depression and stress. Why does this happen? First, most people put pressure on themselves with high expectations for the holiday and memories of holidays past haunting them. Individuals become overwhelmed with current demands and the added extra activities that holidays bring, such as parties and get-togethers. Some people focus on holidays past and compare them to the present, becoming sad or depressed. The overwhelming stress and emotions that arise in these examples can lead to over-doing-it behaviors, such as overeating and drinking. These behaviors create even more difficulties and challenges.
The truth is that someone’s balloon will get a pin stuck in it this holiday season. This is usually self-imposed by comparing the past with the present, high expectations of yourself and others, and the media images of the holidays of cozy families, loving couples, and blissful reunions. These media images leave no room for sadness, depression and stress that may arise during the season to be jolly.
The best way to be a holiday optimist and cope this season is to use these tips right away:
♦ Do not expect to recreate the memories of past holidays. Create new memories today and be grateful for the present. Be aware that memories of the past are usually distorted or selected on a few specific memories and may be misleading. Remember: Be a holiday optimist by focusing on the pleasures you want — not feelings you do not want. Also, keep uplifting thoughts in your mind and focus on creating a great future.
♦ Make a schedule and a plan. If you have a lot to do, such as shopping, cooking, or attending social events, make a schedule for yourself. Don’t shop the day before Christmas, because you will be more inclined to impulse purchases, make hasty decisions and overspending. Don’t make yourself a victim of last-minute panic.
♦ Don’t over-celebrate by eating or drinking more than your usual amount. Many people cope with uneasy feelings during holidays by soothing themselves with food or alcohol. Instead, turn to a friend for a hug, fun, support or to let out your feelings.
♦ Keep your priorities in focus. You do not have to attend a party or celebration just because you were invited. Remember: You have choices, so be selective about your time. Prioritize your invitations and ask yourself if those really are people you want to spend time with.
♦ Chill-out & De-Tox Your Mind. Indulge yourself! Set aside some time for yourself, even if it is for only 15-20 minutes each day. This will allow you not only to re-charge but also get rid of bad or draining thoughts so you have more energy to enjoy holiday activities.
♦ Get real. Be realistic: You can only do so much.
Let others know if you need a hand. Don’t play superman or superwoman. And know that when you ask for help and get others involved in cooking or preparing for the holiday it brings them closer together. Therefore you are also helping them.
For information on Dr. Mercer’s books and tools to improve your life please go to
https://positivelifeanswers.com/online-store/https://positivelifeanswers.com/online-store/
We teach you practical approaches to guide you to live a happier + fulfilling life.
We are your personal coaches and your cheerleaders
We teach you practical approaches to guide you to live a happier + fulfilling life.
We are your personal coaches and your cheerleaders