Afraid about the holidays? Here are some tips that can help you cope with this

The holidays are stressful times. Add in a pandemic and things will get a whole lot worse. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with mild anxiety and stress levels so that you can stay healthy and have the best possible time with loved ones.

But first, why are the holidays so stressful? It’s not just you who have an anxiety attack when the date approaches. The holiday season is loved by most, which adds a certain amount of pressure that seems to get worse as you age and responsibility. Add to this the fact that when their routines of what the holiday season is supposed to do, people suffer when their routines get mixed up.

Here are some mental health tips that can help you navigate this holiday season and have a good time:

Take time to rest

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Resting is very difficult when it’s the holidays when you usually prioritize friends, family, and alcohol. And while it’s good to share with loved ones, it’s also important to have enough gasoline in the tank so you can really enjoy these moments. Rest when you have time and check on yourself regularly to understand how you are feeling. When you have too many engagements, prioritize. You may not be able to attend every event you want to attend, and that’s fine. Just remember to let other people know about it with some time.

Stay in the moment

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Anxiety works by pushing us into the future, especially during times of high stress. Try not to think about the pandemic or the Omicron variant, and remember to stay in the present and be as safe and comfortable as possible. Skip big parties if you’re not comfortable and get your booster if you haven’t already.

Set limits

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Boundaries are good, whether it’s your time or your health. When it comes to COVID-19 make sure you are clear about your health limits with others, whether that means getting tested before the meeting or wearing face masks and meeting outdoors if not vaccinated are. In addition, there are emotional boundaries that are helpful when dealing with family and friends. Make sure you have time to be alone when you need it, whether it’s running or meditating. Be clear about your limits and your space requirements.

Have a few relaxation techniques on hand

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The best thing you can do is prepare for some craziness when you are ready for the holiday season with some tools. Expect your buttons to be pressed as this will happen in the family and try your best to understand your feelings and see where they are coming from. Be ready to break out of social situations if you don’t like them, or watch TV if you need some alone time. Downloading a meditation app can’t hurt either.