Being less stressed this Christmas
During Christmas our normal expectations can sometimes be elevated to the point of becoming a bit unrealistic. When our expectations of ourselves and others can’t be met, it can lead to charged emotions such as anger, resentment, fear and guilt or even depression.
To avoid these stressful emotions here are some simple tips:
1.Have or set realistic expectations: Be realistic about what you can commit to regarding your time, energy and finances. Make sure you don’t over commit so you end up resenting Christmas and associate too much anger or pain with it.
2. Set basic rules: If you have extended family coming over let them know what the rules are in advance. Setting basic rules can increase the fulfillment factor at Christmas by reducing tension, avoidance and aggravation.
3. Be truthful: Tricky group gatherings are more fun when you are honest with yourself and others about what’s important to you (your values) and respect others differences and similarities. Be willing to say ‘no’ and ‘yes’ equally when either is most truthful.
4. Be flexible: Because there are often many family members involved in holiday gatherings be adaptable to unexpected twists and turns during the time when they are visiting. Stress is the inability to adapt to a changing environment.
5. Keep aware of the possible primary purpose of the Christmas or other year-end holidays: To share love and appreciation for each other’s similarities and differences.
6. Count Your Blessings. When you are grateful for what you have you tend to receive more to be grateful for.
Have a safe, stress free Christmas xxx
