December is the time for togetherness, vacations and feasts. People get a break from their stressful work schedules and welcome the activity and excitement that the holidays bring. However, the holidays can also prove stressful for many people as they have to handle the pressures of travelling, cooking meals, noisy celebrations, buying gifts, and meeting up with people they haven’t seen in a long time. The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic can also add to the stress. The good news is that following some simple strategies can help you maintain your emotional wellbeing during the holidays.
Tips for Emotional Wellness during the Vacation
- Don’t hesitate to seek help: If you feel lonely, reach out a close friend or family members and discuss you concerns. Contact community, religious or other social events or communities and offer your services. Volunteering to do something for others is a great way to find satisfaction and happiness.
- Be ready to accommodate changes: Be ready to accept changes happening around you. For example, if a close relative of yours is unable to visit you during vacation, don’t blame them or feel depressed. Instead, try to understand the situation and connect with them via video calls.
- Accept people as they are: Each person is different in their own way. If you are meeting people after a long time, don’t expect them to be the same. Also don’t expect people to do certain things the way you do. Accept them as they are. Don’t get furious or complain about their actions. It will ruin your mood and everybody else’s too.
- Don’t splurge: When you are preparing your shopping list, set a budget and stick to it while shopping. Running out of your budget during the first stage of your vacation can create stress in the later stages.
- Plan your vacation: Prepare a foolproof plan for the vacation much before it starts. Factor in time for shopping, cooking, get together, trips, feasts and other activities. Planning your vacation will help you enjoy it without any stress.
- Learn to say ‘No’: Say ‘no’ whenever you have to say it. For instance, if a friend insist you have another drink, but you don’t want to, say ‘no’ and stick to it.
- Maintain healthy habits: If you are a health conscious person, stick to your healthy habits even during the vacation. Take care not to overeat and restrict consumption of calorie-rich food. Exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
- Find quality self-time: In between family, friends, parties and other activities, find some quality time for yourself. Doing things you love doing will recharge your energy.
- Be prepared to handle stress: If you are alone, there are times when you may feel indifferent or stressed. Immediately think about some funny memes or funny situations you gone through in the past. This will lift your mood and reduce stress.
- Understand anxiety triggers and avoid them: Try to learn what makes you anxious and take measures to avoid/rectify it.
Develop your own relaxation techniques and avoid people or situations which can affect you negatively. If you can’t seem to overcome sadness, anxiety and stress on your own, seek professional help.
Many people experience depression after the vacation. We’ll discuss how to overcome post-vacation blues in our next blog.
| Also Read: TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON |
