If you’re looking for the best ways to manage the stress and anxiety of the holidays, Dr. Taji Huang, Ph.D., in Glendale, California, has a few tips to help you get through this time of the year. Whether you’re stressed about Thanksgiving dinner plans, what to buy your family and friends for Christmas, or how you can accomplish it all within your financial budget, the first step is to take a deep breath.
Why Are The Holidays So Stressful?
There are a lot of expectations around the holiday season. As with almost everything in life, there will be ups and downs, and your holidays may not go as planned. With a little help and perspective, it is possible to get through it all and come out on the other side, enjoying yourself.
1. Be Realistic
The end of the year can cause you to feel pressured to put on a big show and make the holidays “perfect.” Realize that, despite your best efforts, every holiday may not turn out the way you want it to, and that’s ok! Don’t stress yourself out by creating drastic, unrealistic expectations.
2. Set Aside Your Differences
If you can accept your family members and close friends as they are, you will feel better about spending the holidays with them. Let any grievances or differences in opinion go to the wayside so that you can relax and enjoy spending time with the ones you love.
Be understanding when someone gets upset if something goes awry, they are most likely as stressed and anxious as you are about the festivities.
3. Plan Ahead
If you take the time to come up with a plan before the holidays, you’ll be better prepared for anything that might happen. Shopping ahead of time, planning your menus, and recruiting help from family members for meal prep are a few ways to reduce holiday get-together anxiety.
4. Don’t Forget About Your Healthy Habits
The holidays give people a perfect excuse to throw their healthy habits right out the window. Unfortunately, overindulgence can create feelings of guilt as well as add to your stress. Try to find a way to enjoy yourself within moderation. If you’ve worked hard this year to establish healthy habits, balance your fun and fitness to stay on track.
5. Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, the stress of coordinating holiday events can lead to anxiety, depression, and other issues. If you need help working through the panic that comes with holiday preparation, Dr. Taji Huang can help with therapeutic counseling.
Don’t let your stress get so out of hand that you are unable to enjoy the holiday season. You don’t have to do it all, especially alone.
Therapy For The Holidays
Many people experience stress and anxiety around the holiday season. Dr. Taji Huang, Ph.D., in Glendale, California, can help you find the source of your suffering so that you can move through it and find the stress relief you’re looking for. Whether you’re spending this time of year with friends, family, or by yourself, you can get through it, and Dr. Taji can help. Contact our office to schedule a counseling appointment today.