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Tis the Season to be Stressed

Move Over Halloween! It's the Holiday Season!

😓😖

Brace yourselves, Y'all..

Not just because 'Winter is Coming', but for the onslaught of nonstop Mariah Carey and jingle bell tunes invading your ears and brains every single time you venture from your casa to a store! 

It is what it is... 

PSA: Pack those headphones with and make sure they're fully charged!😉

For many, this time of year is allllll about family, fun, and fellowship. And although there are some folks that don't share that same sentiment, one common denominator about this time of year is the budding (slight or heightened) levels of stress. 

In fact, studies shows that stress, depression, unrest, and discontent all peak between now and the middle of January. 

Around this time of year specifically, you're dealing with various family dynamics and expectations,  managing social obligations and extra responsibilities, and, if you're like me, coping with relationship tension and/or breakups etc., etc. 

It's downright anxiety-inducing, y'all! 


Thoughts to Muse

Consider the following this holiday season:

  • Advertising is gonna ramp up, and most of it will suggest we buy, Buy, and BUY MORE! 
    • Don’t fall for it. Instead, make responsible financial decisions. Adding money troubles to your list of woes only escalates stress!
  • We're not Marvel heroes, so we can't take on every responsibility. 
    • Set boundaries and rest when necessary. 
  • Pressuring ourselves to live up to other's expectations is a hard NO this year. 
    • Whatever the alleged issue is, remind yourself that it's a "them problem" and that befalls them to manage.
  • The holidays can be emotionally rough for some. We don't know what folks are going through or  struggling with.
    •  Be patient with others and give them grace. 
  • Folks can be nasty and short-tempered, but before you put someone in their place, try releasing that frustration and anxious energy in positive ways. 
    • Take deep, calming breaths and think before you speak...
    • Resist urges to dive into that Costco bag of assorted holiday candy or handle of discounted alcohol! 👍
  • We're high-steppin' it away from negative folks acting all Grinchy this season! 
    • At all costs, protect your peace!
  • Try mindful movements, like a peaceful walk with no goal in mind. 
    • When we're mindful and physically active, there's a decrease in negative mood and stress levels. 
    • Stop and smell the holiday roses! 

I hope this helps some, y'all. 

Personally, I get bummed once Halloween is over and I don't look forward to what's coming next, but these are some of my best strategies to stay grounded.

Sometimes though, you just gotta snuggle up on the sofa with your pet, favorite blankey, and a charcuterie board of snacks for endless hours of Netflixing and chilling.

May your 2023 holiday season be one of fulfillment and harmony


EM 



REFERENCES:
Fitness Journal. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (2018)

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Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 15, 2023 at 4:00 PM

    thanks for the advice, taking breaks from it all, and physical & mental exercise seems to help me during holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Melting Pot CoachingApril 11, 2024 at 12:17 PM

      It can help us all. Sometimes we need a gentle reminder to do what we already know is necessary.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2024 at 2:49 AM

    Good and applicable 👍🏽

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 13, 2024 at 3:36 PM

    If I only had the courage to say “No” to others expectations, that would eliminate or lessen the stress and anxiety I have around this time of the year. Thanks for your suggestions. I enjoy reading your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Melting Pot CoachingMay 14, 2024 at 1:37 PM

    Thanks! I can relate to this struggle; saying no and setting boundaries in general was a habit I had to develop and nurture over time. But now that I've seen the world won't collapse because I said "no", it's easier to do. Give it a try!

    ReplyDelete

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