The holiday season is fun, until it isn’t….
I’ve started reflecting on the rapidly approaching holiday season and the joy it brings as it looms upon us, and it hit me, it’s actually kind of stressful for a lot of us. While taking time to reset with loved ones is an amazing way to end the year, it is certainly not without challenges.
Projects to wrap up at work before the end of year, compounded with the fact that everyone you have ever met wants to “catch up” in December, while schools want you there for award ceremonies, concerts, muck up days, pre-school graduations and the different sports want to showcase their hard work for the year with dress rehearsals, more concerts, more ceremonies, collecting trophies while you are trying to organise present shopping and planning your holiday season itineraries down to the second so you get a chance to see all family members on every side of the family you have. Some of us also have lengthy travel during the holiday season. And there are extra crowds everywhere and traffic. Phew! It’s a lot! I also acknowledge that for a lot of us, it means we may also be away from loved ones and our families during this period.
Reducing your stress during the holiday period;
As December approaches us, you might notice those around you are a little snappy or frustrated. For many people, the additional load on their plates, or the reminder that this is another holiday season without loved ones can be a very hard time. It’s a good time to reach out to those who are responding a little different to how they normally would and check in to see if they are doing ok.
Keep moving – Exercise can help reduce stress and help us clear our thoughts. But if you can’t manage long workouts at the moment, just aim to get in a short walk. Meet yourself where you are at. Kindness to oneself is also a precious gift!
Start early and plan ahead – The end of year holidays happen at the same time, every year. Think about what you can do now, to ease your load as the end of year approaches. Maybe book a cleaner? Or organise click and collect? Start a list of things you want to accomplish before the holidays start.
Be realistic – There will be things that don’t turn out the way we want them to, and problems may arise. Learning to accept the imperfections in life and rolling with them can help reduce a significant amount of stress.
Make time to connect – Not everyone gets to spend time with their loved ones in the holiday season. Consider your friends or colleagues who may not actually have any plans during the holidays season, which can be just as stressful as having too many plans! Could you invite them along to your plans? Or make a phone call wishing them happy holidays?
Reach out for support – Remember that we don’t need to struggle alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or alone, reach out to an accredited Mental Health First Aider in your workplace or community, a friend, your GP or other health professional for a chat.
You can also check out some more resources:
Wishing you and yours a season of abundant inner calm and wellbeing,
Caitlin Heusz
Workers Compensation and Health Advisor (Construction industry), Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Diploma of Wellness Leadership participant
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Written by Caitlin Heusz
Caitlin Heusz is a Workers Compensation and Health Advisor, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Diploma of Wellness Leadership participant with professional experience in the construction industry with organisations such as Laing O'Rourke.