Helping Your Clients Cope With Holiday Stress

Many factors, including unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments can cause stress and anxiety at holiday time. When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Balance Your Expectations 

Remember that everything doesn’t have to be perfect and don’t worry about things that are out of your control. If some of your relatives are known to act out or make you or someone else feel down, you should probably expect that this behavior is likely to make you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. If you know what you’re getting into, it will be easier to not let them push your buttons. If things get uncomfortable, decompress by going to a movie or taking a drive.

2. Plan Ahead & Don’t Try to Do Too Much

Avoid the crowded malls and aim to finish your holiday shopping as soon as possible. Better yet, avoid traditional shopping altogether and gift your family and friends with one-on0one time with you. Fatigue, over-scheduling, and taking on too many tasks can quickly dampen your spirits. Use this time as an opportunity to practice saying, “No,” and try to delegate tasks that aren’t as important to you. When you make the decision to do less, you are able to focus your energy on the really important parts of the holidays.

3. Avoid Isolating Yourself 

If you are feeling alone or left out, get out of the house and find some way to join the fun of the season. This time of year, there are so many places you can go to hear music, enjoy the sights or help people in need.

4. Stay Proactive

This may come as a surprise, but many people suffer from depression due to a lack of sunlight because of shorter days and bad weather. Using a full spectrum lamp for twenty minutes a day can lessen this type of depression called SAD (seasonal affectiveness disorder). Be mindful of the onset of “Post Holiday Syndrome.” which can leave you feeling down after the rollercoaster of the holidays. Ease out of all the fun by planning a well-deserved day of rest toward the end of the season.

5. Practice Mindful Eating and Movement

It’s important to be conscious of your diet and daily activity or movement during the holidays. Remember it’s perfectly normal to eat more during the holidays. Don’t feel bad about indulging during the holiday season, but be aware of how certain foods affect your mood. For example, for many people, eating fats and sweets often leads to less energy which leads to more stress. Try to combat some of those stressful feelings, by taking a walk with some of your loved ones before or after your holiday mean.

Stress Management Coaching

The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. Our stress management coaching program is designed for life coaches, as well as fitness and wellness professionals who want to expand his or her knowledge in the lucrative and expanding field.

Spencer Institute certification programs are open to anyone with a desire to learn and help others. There are no prerequisites.

That’s it for now.

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