Feel-good Hallmark movies and Christmas fa-la-las are total mood-setters for the December holidays. But the sad truth is, this wonderful time of the year also happens to be the most stressful. Holiday stress is a real thing.
Everyone has something they are going through and to add to that last-minute work rush before the holiday break, final project submissions or exams, travel arrangements, and shopping, it becomes overwhelming.
You also cannot ignore the pinch your bank account will feel from all the spending whether you are playing the hostess or taking the family to Malindi. So as expected, finances are one of the biggest concerns this time of the year.
Other stressors that may take the joy away from this jolly season include anxiety, worry if you will be able to maintain healthy habits especially if you are on a diet or trying to cut down on alcohol, being overstretched and feelings of sadness, grief or loss if you lost a loved one recently or perhaps you got laid off.
Navigating past what is keeping you up at night is the only way you can truly enjoy yourself. Sure, you may want to play Santa with your children, but if you cannot afford it, do not kill yourself. Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
"It is not easy to allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest when you are in a challenging financial situation, but you are taking better care of yourself by sharing your concerns,'' says Clinical psychologist and Director of Behavioral Health at Hims & Hers, Dr Beth Pausic.
When it comes to the everyday emotions we all go through, the Christmas holidays will add an extra layer of stress for sure and you need to identify triggers by paying attention to your body cues. Try the usual deep breathing and mindfulness; remove yourself from the situation and come up with strategies to cope.
Instead of depriving yourself, be mindful of what you indulge in and be a bit more conservative.
