The holidays are pretty much a gateway to stress and chaos as much as it is to love and giving

The holidays are pretty much a gateway to stress and chaos as much as it is to love and giving. Being mentally and spiritually drained when one of the most obnoxious seasons (to be fairly honest) come around doesn’t exactly make anyone feel better. In fact, research has found that people who are struggling, find Christmas to be taxing more than loving. If you’re a bit scared of hosting or attending that party, here are a few things to keep in mind in order to avoid all the stress and anxiety during the holidays.

Plan your To-Dos

When the world feels overwhelming and you can’t seem to get things together, it helps when you lay everything down. You can either write it down on a piece of paper on your notes or on a calendar, whatever works for you. Write down all the things you want to do and all the things you need to do. Assess it all, and figure out what things would take too much from you and what would take a burden off your shoulders. Not all parties are worth your time, it’s important that you understand you can say no to some events and just give yourself a day just for you.

You Time

Oftentimes, during the holiday seasons, even if we know we need to wind down, we end up just doing so many things and forgetting to take care of ourselves. If you want to be the best for the people you love, if you want to be able to give them all the love you have this season, you have to give yourself love first. Like we’ve mentioned above, let there be days just for you and do whatever it may be that makes you feel happy. You deserve as much love and attention as anyone else.

Reach Out for Help

We can’t stress this enough! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a trophy for the brave and strong. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, it just means you know the capabilities of your being and you know the extent to which you can work. If the family dinner is happening at your place this season, don’t hesitate to ask your aunts to bring a dish from their own home or your cousins to help with the decorations and gifts. It’s the helping, the planning, and the cooking that brings a family together. Maybe you’ll even find yourself feeling so much better around your loving family.

Stick To Your Routine

Again, knowing what you have to do for the day or for a certain period can really help fight negative emotions and feelings. Setting up a routine you can stick to helps keep your brain busy. Perhaps you have weekly or monthly therapy sessions, make it a habit to add that to your routine, or you have weekly groceries. When you have a routine, you give yourself something to look forward to, maybe it’s just as simple as checking your mail but it sure does keep you occupied.

No to Drugs and Drinking

            We know taking your mind away from the world may seem tempting, especially with all the booze at the parties, but you have to avoid drinking or taking drugs as much as possible. These vices are not only bad for your physical health but also bad for your mental health. Opt for non-alcoholic beverages or suggest an alternative to drinking when planning a party.

Know your Limits

            You don’t always have to be present or have to do everything when it comes to planning. Set boundaries for yourself and what you can do. Again, not all parties need your attention, and not all hosting responsibilities have to be on you.

Take Medication as Prescribed

Do not forget your prescription pills. No matter how hectic the schedule may be with all the holiday shopping, be sure to take your medicine on time and as prescribed. Eating, of course, is a side dish to medicine so you better not forget to eat either or tell yourself you’ll eat later. Medicine only works if you keep a healthy diet which includes eating on time and sleeping right.

Find Support

And remember, you’re not alone, you never are. If you have no one to talk to, there are always hotlines just one Google search away. There are so many small corporations who are more than willing to help you, even if you’re on a tight budget. If you don’t feel like going to agencies yet, at least find someone you can talk to, and find yourself a pillar you can lean on. Trust us, there will always be that one friend or family who will have open ears and a hug if you need it. You just have to embrace the fact that you do in fact need them. Of course, we’re not saying all of this works for everyone. We all have different things we go through, different situations, and different upbringings. Be sure to find something that works well for you. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy.