Of course, stress is a normal part of life. But the holidays can be an incredibly stressful time of year. If not managed properly, stress can feel overwhelming, affecting your physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to help you manage stress and put your best foot forward this holiday season. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Identify the Sources of Stress
To manage stress, it’s best to identify the source of stress in your life. This can include work, relationships, finances, health, or other areas. Identifying the source is a great first step to managing it.
2. Develop Healthy Coping Strategies
Now that you have a clear understanding of the sources of your stress, developing healthy coping strategies is key. It might sound easier said than done, but stress management doesn’t have to be complicated. Physical activity, meditation, journaling, or talking to a friend are all important activities that can help you relax and reduce stress.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Setting hard-to-reach goals can lead to even more stress. That’s why setting realistic goals is so important. Knowing a goal is achievable will help you to continue to work toward it and will help you focus on what is most important. Starting small, like stretching or taking a few deep breaths before bed, can help.
4. Take Time for Yourself
It’s a busy time of year, and as the schedule gets more and more full, it’s normal to experience more stress. However, taking time for yourself is an important step many overlook this time of year. Taking time to relax and recharge can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to handle what comes next.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves being aware of the present moment you are in and accepting it without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and help you release some of the stress you are feeling.
6. Reach Out for Support
Reaching out for support is one of the most important steps you can take to manage stress. This can be as simple as talking to a friend, family member, or therapist. Research has shown that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and can function better. In fact, about 75% of people who enter psychotherapy show benefits from it. Reaching out can be hard, but the specialists at Collective Counseling Solutions are here to help. Talking to someone can help you process your thoughts and feelings and can help you to manage stress better.
7. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Taking care of your physical health is extremely important for managing stress. Simple self-care, such as eating a healthy diet, moving your body, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene, can help you manage your stress and feel better each day.
We all have to deal with stress, but by considering these 7 steps, you can learn to manage your stress well. Talking to a professional therapist could help you better manage your stress this holiday season. Reach out to us today. The professionals at Collective Counseling Solutions are passionate about helping their patients thrive. Contact us today to get started.
