Stress During the Holidays?

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and joy, but it can also bring a fair share of stress and overwhelming feelings. From juggling social commitments to managing financial pressures, the demands of the season can feel daunting. With the right strategies, however, you can navigate the holidays with ease and focus on what truly matters. Here are some practical tips to help you manage stress and fully enjoy the festivities.

• Try going for a walk! Whether a brisk walk or long stroll, getting outside and walking can be very grounding.
• Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, not to mention it’s a good way to get some time away from relatives.
• Sometimes we just need a break! Get up and move around, help clean up, or just go outside for a breath of air.
• Guided meditation is another helpful tool that is easily accessible. Don’t worry about starting a 30-minute practice in a time of great stress. That isn’t realistic. Instead, you can try a 2-minute guided meditation for free on YouTube.
• Remember to slow down and give yourself some time to breathe.
• It can be helpful to have a trusted person to call during times of high stress. If you’re going out of town, let that person know that you may need some extra support. Maybe even schedule a phone call, it is okay to lean on someone.
• While we know it is never the answer, the stress of the holidays may increase our desire to use substances. Not to mention the fact that we may be exposed to them during family or friend gatherings. We like to set ourselves up for success by finding meetings to attend even when we are out of town, just in case we need support.
  Narcotics Anonymous
  A.A. Near You
• Keep things simple.

It is totally normal to feel overwhelmed this time of year. Remember that you are not alone.
Find local resources, crisis resources, and mental health support in East Central Minnesota, click here.
If you or someone you know is looking for the availability of professional mental health and substance use disorder resources, visit fasttrackermn.org.