{"id":106937,"date":"2024-12-30T14:53:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T14:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/?post_type=news&p=106937"},"modified":"2024-12-30T14:53:15","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T14:53:15","slug":"holidays-dont-have-to-mean-excess-stress-its-time-to-reframe-your-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.stress.org\/news\/holidays-dont-have-to-mean-excess-stress-its-time-to-reframe-your-thoughts\/","title":{"rendered":"Holidays don\u2019t have to mean excess stress. It\u2019s time to reframe your thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"

This season has the potential to create a multitude of worries. However, you can also view it as an opportunity to enhance psychological well-being.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Stress and holidays seem to go hand-in-hand.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As your busy schedule becomes even busier with preparations and celebrations, it may be a good time to try to reframe your thinking about the holidays. Instead of dreading the likely stress ahead, you can view the holidays as an opportunity to enhance your psychological well-being. APA offers these tips to help lessen holiday stress and feel more optimistic about the season:<\/p>\n

Take time for yourself.<\/strong>\u00a0You may feel pressured to be everything to everyone. But remember that you\u2019re only one person and can only accomplish certain things. Sometimes self-care is the best thing you can do; plus, others will benefit when you\u2019re feeling less stressed. Reflect on aspects of your life that give you joy; go for a long walk; get a massage; or take time to listen to your favorite music or read a new book. All of us need some time to recharge our batteries. Be mindful and focus on the present rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future.<\/p>\n

[Related:<\/strong>\u00a0What happens to your brain when you give a gift<\/a>]<\/em><\/p>\n

Volunteer.<\/strong>\u00a0Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or a shelter that needs volunteers, and offer to help. Alternatively, participate in a community giving tree program or an adopt-a-family program. Helping others may lift your mood and help you put your own struggles in perspective.<\/p>\n

Have realistic expectations.<\/strong>\u00a0No Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other holiday celebration is perfect. View inevitable missteps as opportunities to exercise your flexibility and resilience. A lopsided tree or a burned brisket won\u2019t ruin your holiday\u2014it will create a family memory. If your children\u2019s wish list is outside your budget, talk to them about realistic expectations and remind them that the holidays aren\u2019t about expensive gifts.<\/p>\n

[Related<\/strong>:\u00a09 tips to help ease your holiday spending stress<\/a>]<\/em><\/p>\n

Remember what\u2019s important.<\/strong>\u00a0The barrage of holiday advertising can make you forget what the holiday season is really about. If your holiday expense list is running longer than your monthly budget, scale back and remind yourself that what matters most is loved ones, not store-bought presents, elaborate decorations, or gourmet food.<\/p>\n

Encourage healthy conversations.<\/strong>\u00a0Let your family know that holidays are times to express gratitude, appreciation, and thanks for what you all have, including each other. If there is worry about heated disagreements or negative conversations, focus on what you and your family have in common. Families might even plan activities they can do together that foster good fun and laughter, like playing a family game or looking through old photo albums.<\/p>\n

Seek support.<\/strong>\u00a0Talk about your worries and concerns with close friends and family. Getting things out in the open can help you navigate your feelings and work toward a solution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How a psychologist can help<\/h2>\n
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If the tips above are not helpful and you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, consult with a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. He or she can help you identify problem areas and then develop an action plan for changing them.<\/p>\n

Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies on how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.<\/p>\n

Practicing psychologists use a variety of evidence-based treatments\u2014most commonly, psychotherapy\u2014to help people improve their lives. Psychologists, who have doctoral degrees, receive one of the highest levels of education of any health care professional. On average, they spend seven years in education and training after receiving their undergraduate degrees. Moreover, psychologists are required to take continuing education to maintain their professional standing.<\/p>\n

To learn more about stress-related issues go to stress.org!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com<\/a><\/p>\n

OP from-APA<\/a>\u00a0 \"American<\/a><\/p>\n

Mary Alvord, PhD, Michi Fu, PhD and David Palmiter, PhD, assisted with this article.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This season has the potential to create a multitude of worries. However, you can also view it as an opportunity to enhance psychological well-being. 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