Mental Health


Mental Health Minute: 

Tips for managing holiday stress 


 The holidays are jolly, but can be a hectic and stressful time. Whether your stress comes from being alone or being surrounded by loved ones, holiday stress can happen to anyone. Healthy ways to manage holiday stress include budgeting, volunteering, planning, relaxing and sticking (somewhat) to your usual routine. Frivolous spending can certainly increase stress during the holidays. One way to decrease holiday stress is to budget realistically for holiday spending. Using credit to buy gifts can increase stress when the credit card bill arrives. Decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts and plan what to purchase. Giving homemade presents can be an excellent way to save money and make others happy with a thoughtful gift. Whether you're alone or with loved ones, volunteer your time and help others this holiday season. There are plenty of non-profits that will really appreciate your contribution. Volunteering to help others is a good way to lift your mood and get in the holiday spirit. Helping or visiting at a local homeless shelter or nursing home can bring you joy and also be a way to avoid being alone. It's a perfect way to get out of the house and meet new people. If you're unable to volunteer -- seek out community, religious or other social events around town. Surrounding yourself with others in your community can be a fun way to manage stress and ward off loneliness. Plan ahead, but be flexible to plan changes. This can help alleviate daily stress, especially when there is so much going on and so many demands on you. Don't just plan daily activities but also plan your meals, shopping trips, family traditions and time for visiting friends. Having meals planned in advance can decrease the stress of last-minute trips to the grocery store and can also help you stick to your budget. Planning time for holiday traditions and visiting friends can help alleviate the general stress of making sure these important things are not overlooked. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be helpful to set aside some alone time. Even a short 15 minute relaxation break may refresh you enough to handle the rest of the day. Ten or 15 minutes spent in meditation, deep breathing or listening to soothing music can help clear your mind, slow your breathing, and restore a sense of inner calm. Try not to let the holiday season bring too many changes to your typical schedule. Although it may be challenging to stick to your normal routine, don't forget to do the things you usually do. If you typically exercise during the day and sleep a certain amount each night, don't change your routine because of the holidays. Remember, physical activity can boost your energy levels and elevate your mood, thereby decreasing stress. Managing holiday stress can be challenging. Try using some or all of these tips to keep your holiday season merry and bright.

source: www.bradenton.com

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