As the holiday season draws near, many Americans are getting ready for a period of happiness, celebration, and camaraderie. The demands of the season, however, frequently cause a good deal of stress, particularly for families balancing busy schedules, family dynamics, and financial strains.
Physician, mindset coach, and Fulfilled: 52 Prescriptions for Healing and Health author Dr. Bernadette Anderson offered helpful tips to help people and families enjoy the holidays more and deal with stress less.
The American Psychological Association reports that 43% of Americans feel more anxious this year than they did last, and 38% of Americans report feeling more pressured during the holidays. The impact is much greater for those who are managing mental health disorders. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people say their symptoms have gotten worse during the season.
Anderson claims that although the holidays might be stressful, they can also be a time for self-care and meaningful connection if deliberate practices are followed.
Navigating Family Dynamics
Thanksgiving get-togethers are frequently especially meaningful for Black families. However, these get-togethers can become uncomfortable due to angry conversations or unsolved family concerns.
In order to focus on common values, Anderson suggests that families incorporate intentional moments such as prayer or a thankfulness circle to set the tone early. Setting limits is also essential. She advises politely agreeing ahead of time to steer clear of contentious subjects like politics or delicate personal matters. Instead, focus discussions on family accomplishments or common interests.
A game night, dance-off, or family walk are examples of physical events that might help decompress and refocus attention on happiness.
Families may experience significant financial difficulty as a result of holiday spending. Anderson advises creating a thorough Christmas spending plan to allot money for entertainment, travel, and gifts.
through GIPHY
According to her, the secret to controlling expectations is to be open and honest with loved ones about spending boundaries. Families can also keep within their budgets by limiting impulsive purchases and utilizing holiday sales like Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
Families are urged by Anderson to place a higher value on meaningful experiences than material possessions. Give experience-based gifts, such as a prepared supper or a family movie night; they are frequently more enduring and intimate than pricey ones.
Preparing ahead of time can greatly lessen stress for people throwing big parties. To make Thanksgiving a team effort, she advises organizing the menu in advance and assigning dishes to others.
She suggests, To speed up the cooking process, arrange your kitchen, use semi-homemade shortcuts, and prepare items in advance. Another way to prevent the last-minute rush is to have a schedule for the day’s activities.
Last but not least, politely accepting assistance might ease the burden. According to Dr. Anderson, sharing chores, such as cooking or entertaining, makes the environment more laid back.
Prioritizing Self-Care
through GIPHY
It’s simple to overlook one’s own health during the holidays. To recharge, set aside some time for yourself.
According to her, stress can be decreased by engaging in easy mindfulness exercises like deep breathing, meditation, or a peaceful stroll. Other strategies to sustain energy and focus throughout the season include eating balanced meals, limiting screen time, and continuing to be physically active.
Establish limits with technology and give yourself permission to disconnect and rejuvenate. Refusing to engage in things that are detrimental to your wellbeing is acceptable.
The holidays can be especially difficult for families who have lost a loved one. In order to pay respect to the memory of people who have departed, Anderson advises recognizing grief and writing memorials.
Small gestures like lighting a candle, sharing a memory, or preparing a favorite meal can foster a sense of community, she says. During trying circumstances, it can sometimes be consoling to ask friends, family, or experts for support.
Thanksgiving dinners might result in overindulgence, but they are frequently the season’s high point. To prevent overeating later in the day, she suggests eating a balanced breakfast first thing in the morning.
She advises choosing smaller servings, drinking plenty of water, and pausing before grabbing seconds. The additional calories can also be balanced by keeping active with a game or family walk.
Finally, she emphasizes the importance of appreciation as a means of fostering deep holiday relationships. To celebrate the common heritage and strengthen ties, she suggests establishing a thankfulness circle, making a gratitude jar, or telling family memories.
According to her, having gratitude causes the emphasis to change from tension to appreciation. It enables us to rediscover the genuine essence of the season.
