Coping with Christmas starts with looking out for yourself: expert
Posted Dec 9, 2015 7:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s supposed to be a time to relax, reflect and catch up with family and friends but with just over two weeks left until Christmas; this can end up being the most stressful season of the year.
Sure, we joke about how crazy it can get but for many people, it can take a real toll.
Even though it’s the season of giving, you need to make sure you’re not giving too much of yourself to too many people.
David Grauwiler is the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Division. He says you need to approach the holidays with your mental health in mind because it can be overwhelming.
“When it comes to the holiday season we want to make sure we’re taking time to take care of ourselves, to slow down a bit and not feel that we need to please absolutely everyone all the time,” he said.
He says spending is also something you need to control because if you don’t set a budget and stick to it, those feelings of happiness will turn into anxiety real fast.
“It’s a really good idea to set a budget ahead of time so that we feel more in control and realize that it’s not just spending money on people that makes a difference, sometimes time is far more important,” said Grauwiler.
You also don’t want to overindulge when it comes to eating and drinking since that can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
The bottom line is that moderation will keep you smiling through the season.
