Holiday Stress and Depression

Regardless of your religion, nationality, or background, chances are there is some holiday that you will be observing within the next couple of weeks. Often during the holiday season we can expect or stress level to rise. The holiday season presents an array of demands on us from parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, and that’s just to name a few. But with some tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays.

When stress is at its max, it’s hard to stop and regroup. With the following tips I hope you will be able to prevent the stress or depression from happening in the first place.

• Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you are unable to be with family, realize that it is normal to feel sadness or grief. It’s OK to take some time to cry or to just express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holidays.
• Reach out. If you are feeling lonely or isolated this season, reach out to others and offer up your time to help and support others. Volunteering your time is a great way to lift your sprits and create new friendships.
• Be realistic. The holidays don’t need to be perfect or the same every year. As families grow and change from year to year, traditions may also change. Choose a few to hold on to if you wish, but be open to creating new ones.
• Set aside differences. Try your best to accept friends and family members as they are, even if they do not live up to all of your expectations. Set aside your grievances until a more appropriate time. Chances are they are probably experiencing the same effects of holiday stress.
• Plan ahead. Set specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and make appropriate shopping lists. This should help in reducing last-minute scramble for items that you may have forgotten. Also, try to line up some help in preparing meals and parties and cleaning up.
• Learn to say no. Saying yes to everything, when you should sometimes say no, can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Your friends will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.
• Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending 15 minutes alone, without distraction, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing, and restoring your inner calm.

Another way to relieve the stress, would be to give your massage therapist a call at 865-964-5215 and setup your next massage. You may also setup your next appointment by scheduling online or emailing me at massage@terrahbanakas.com.

First time visitors to MASSAGE by Terrah Banakas can schedule an introductory massage for only $25.00.