The festive season can be a joyful time for many people but can also bring stress and anxiety. With the added pressure to be jolly, attend events, and find the perfect gifts, it's no wonder that many people struggle with holiday anxiety. If you're feeling overwhelmed, a few self-soothing techniques can benefit you and help you get through the holiday season with a little less stress.
1) Soothing Music and or Imagery
Listening to calming music or looking at peaceful imagery can bring a sense of relaxation and peace to your mind and body. This can be especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed or anxious about the holidays. Consider creating a playlist of your favourite relaxing tunes or finding calming images to look at when stressed.
2) Physical Exercise, Stretching, or Nature Walks
Physical exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can help improve your mood and increase endorphin production in the body. These are also known as the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Even a quick walk or some light stretching can impact mood for the better, as it helps blocked energy to move within the body.
3) Self-compassion
It's easy to get caught up in negative self-talk and criticism during the holiday season, especially if things aren't going as planned. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself with kindness and understanding. Remind yourself that it's okay not to be perfect and that it's natural to feel stressed or overwhelmed sometimes.
4) Mindfulness
Being present and fully engaged in the moment is referred to as mindfulness. It can be helpful to take a few moments each day to focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present. This can help calm the mind and bring a sense of clarity and calm.
5) Connect with Loved Ones
The holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to connect with loved ones and spend time together. Surrounding yourself with supportive and caring people can help reduce stress and bring joy to your holiday season. It's also essential to make time for self-care and set boundaries with loved ones if you need some alone time to recharge.
Conclusion
Overall, it may be helpful to remember that it's okay not to chase an unrealistic idea of perfection. Instead, taking care of yourself during the holiday season could be beneficial. Incorporating these self-soothing techniques into your routine can help you manage holiday anxiety and enjoy the festive season. By focusing on your own well-being and finding ways to relax and recharge, you'll be better equipped to handle the stress and demands of the holiday season.
If you're looking for help in managing travel anxiety, working with a psychologist might be helpful for you. At Ward & Associates Psychological Services, we offer counselling in Sherwood Park. We specialize in individual counselling for adults, teens, and children and couples counselling and trauma counselling for first responders. We also offer online therapy for clients residing in Alberta. Contact us to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.