A Right Focus, Beats Overwhelmed
Planning for a stress-free holiday season
The mind is such a powerful thing and practicing positive thinking can make a real difference. Having the right focus may help you avoid feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season.
Your focus should be proactive when planning for the holidays; this ensures things will be less stressful. It’s important to have the right mindset and prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. You want to keep in mind what is most meaningful to you during this time. For many, that is sharing quality time with family and loved ones. When you focus on having the most enjoyable time you can, it can help you to remain as stress free as possible.
Establish coping skills that will help reduce the potential for anxiety and keep stress triggers at bay. “Healthy coping skills can be anything that helps you relieve stress; some essential ones are good diet, adequate sleep, and exercise.” Set boundaries for you and others. Know when you’ve reached your set limit and control responses if you feel boundaries are being infringed upon. When you become overwhelmed you experience anxiety, worry, and stress – the result of allowing your thoughts to overcrowd your emotions with unrealistic expectations. This may pressure you to perform above your natural physical means. Preparing boundaries and coping mechanisms before you’ve reached your limit can help prevent burnout.
At the first signs of stress: ‘Stop! Draw your emotions back in! Close your eyes take a deep breath and center.’ Now think - where are your thoughts? This is where you’ll want to institute change. If stress takes the lead, you must regain control from your emotions and put them in-check. Emotions don’t lead well in stressful situations; bring a halt to what’s becoming anxiety and re-group. Now, you can think adequately to create an alternative plan. Above all, concentrate on staying calm and in control of events to follow.
Tips to Get Back on Track:
Excuse yourself; step away to a calm place (vacant room; outside, etc.).
Sit down, take a few deep breaths, clear your mind.
Evaluate the status of things; determine what you are able to do.
Enlist others to assist you in completing tasks that need to be done.
Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember to enjoy yourself!
A good rule of thumb to remember as the holidays draw close, ‘Always plan ahead!’
Include a backup or alternative plan just in case some things don’t turn out the way you wanted and keep your stress levels on low!
Marie DePree, is an LPN & College Instructor in healthcare, Marriage & Family Therapist & Life Coach, on Church Ministerial staff & Host of YouTube show ‘Your BEST You.
