The holiday season is often viewed as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. However, for many, it can also bring a unique set of stressors and challenges. Below are some practical strategies for staying resilient through the holiday season.
Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays often come with a societal pressure to have everything perfect; however, perfectionism can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, focus on what matters most to you and set realistic goals for yourself. Prioritize meaningful connections with family and friends over idealized traditions and remember that it's okay if everything isn't flawless.
Practice Self-Care
Amid the hustle and bustle, self-care is often the first thing to get overlooked. But taking time to recharge is crucial for maintaining wellness. Committing to and following through with positive routine habits like regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy, can have a significant positive impact on your personal and professional life. Even small moments of mindfulness or meditation can provide a sense of calm and help you reset your emotional state.
Create Boundaries
For many, the holidays bring with them complex family dynamics. Whether it's navigating difficult conversations, handling unresolved conflicts, or managing different expectations, family interactions can add to your stress. Staying resilient through the holidays includes creating healthy boundaries to maintain your mental health. It's easy to feel obligated to attend every gathering or fulfill every request, but overcommitting can lead to stress and burnout. Be honest with yourself and others about what you can handle, and don’t be afraid to say "no" when necessary. Protecting your time and energy is an act of self-respect that helps you stay resilient.
Cultivate Gratitude
The holiday season can sometimes magnify feelings of loss, loneliness, or stress. A powerful antidote to these emotions is cultivating gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for—whether it's supportive friends and family, good health, or small moments of joy. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply expressing appreciation can shift your perspective and help you stay grounded in positive thoughts.
Stay Connected
While the holidays can bring up feelings of isolation, they also offer opportunities for connection. Reach out to loved ones or friends, even if it's just a text or quick phone call. If you're feeling disconnected, consider volunteering or participating in community activities. Sometimes, helping others can offer a sense of purpose and remind you that you matter and are not alone.
Embrace Flexibility
Things don't always go according to plan during the holidays; flights get delayed, dinners get burnt, or schedules change. The key to staying resilient is learning to adapt to these changes with grace. Instead of stressing over what's not working, focus on what you can control and embrace the unpredictability with a sense of humor and flexibility.
Seek Support
Remember that it's okay to ask for help. Whether you're struggling emotionally, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the season, having problems with substance use, or even contemplating suicide, talking to someone you trust can be incredibly healing. Support can come from family, friends, chaplains, or mental health professionals, and yes, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you are looking for options to manage the stress or demands of the holiday season, free, professional, and confidential non-medical CG SUPRT counselors are ready to support you at 1-855-247-8778, or you can chat online now (www.cgsuprt.com - password: uscg) to schedule an appointment. If you are outside the continental United States (OCONUS), dial your international code + 855-247-8778. CG SUPRT is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.
If you are in emotional distress, struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, or thinking about suicide, you can also contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.
If you experience domestic abuse/violence and need help or have questions about this, you may call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.
If you are a victim of sexual assault or have related questions or concerns, you may contact the Safe Helpline (1-877-995-5247) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673). Both options are free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.
By setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care, establishing boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can build resilience and navigate the holiday season with greater ease. In doing so, you may find that the holidays can become a time for recharging and nurturing your own well-being.
-USCG-
Resources: