Our Holiday Feels

By: Lindsey Bernhardt

As the holidays roll around, we typically think of them as a time to celebrate, enjoy time with family and friends, and ring in the new year. However, for some of us, the holidays can be a time where overwhelming feelings of sadness, stress, and loneliness can occur. These emotions can come about due to the stresses of hosting, financial constraints to our need for gift giving, working overtime, spending time alone, a change in routine, etc. But, as always, there are things we can do to better prepare our minds and feelings for the holidays and shift them towards happier feelings overall.

The first thing is simply being aware of your feelings. Give yourself time to reflect on how you are feeling and understand that the pressure to be happy for the holidays can exist. Another strategy is practicing self-care. The holidays are a time of giving but it is important to give time back to yourself and ensure that you are doing what your body and mind need to reset. Embedding yourself into the community is another strategy that can lessen you feeling alone or isolated. Find opportunities to partake in holiday festivities, make phone calls to loved ones who you haven’t seen in a while, or visit friends who you have not had a moment to check in with. Set boundaries with your guests. If you are hosting, be sure to let everyone know the expectations around helping, their required departure time, etc. It will not only help the overall climate but ensure that you are more in control of how family celebrations occur. Budget and planning is another important step that can help reduce stress over this time of year. Let’s be honest, the prices of gifts have and continue to rise and the pressure to one up your gifts last year can be daunting. Setting a budget and sticking to you can help take the pressure off.

Overall, take one day at a time and recognize if and when your feelings shift. If you start to feel sad or stressed, be kind to yourself and know that many of us feel the same way over the holidays. 

Wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy time!