🎅 Ho Ho Hold Up | Stop Holiday Stress in Its Tracks!
by Striving for Synergy
Psychotherapy & Counselling Clinic
Let’s be real
Ah the holidays! The time of mouth-watering meals, decadently decorated homes, grand gifts, and blissful family bonding – In reality we’re thinking it’s more along the lines of manically managed meals, daunting decorative demands, grueling gift lists, and blister-causing family bonding.
The holiday season marks the pinnacle of stress for those burdened with the impossible task of executing cooking, decorating, gifting, bonding, and more at a level of perfection (hello women!). Accordingly, here are some tips to manage the holiday stress and enjoy the peace this season can offer (yes, we are targeting you people-pleasers – sit down and read).
1 | Redefine perfect, it does not exist!
Delete. Pinterest. The holidays will not – and cannot – look like a pinterest board. Cookies may get burnt, lights may burn, awkward conversational silences may (will) occur; but WHY do we dread this reality? Don’t the inevitable imperfections that come during the holidays provide us with a few moments to laugh (at least when we recount them in therapy)? When expectations are lowered, joy has room to sneak in and create some truly magical memories.
Sugar icing came out too runny? AMAZING! Your cookie dish is now winter-wonderland themed – gingerbread men covered in icicles. Leaving perfection at the door allows space for creativity to be welcomed in!
Stop chasing for perfection and start striving to enjoy the beautiful mess the holiday season becomes (shameless self-plug).
2 | Set boundaries — read that again in your therapists voice
Saying “no” isn’t Grinchy – it’s self care. There are endless conventional expectations during the holidays that can act as great opportunities to flex those therapy muscles – decide what works for you and the holidays can provide you with the bonding, joy, and peace that actually is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Holiday festivities are a breeding ground for intrusive inquiries disguised as small talk. When Aunt Carol fixates on your lack of boyfriend, children, or job, kick the people-pleasing instinct and exude your inner HR department: “Thank you for your interest Auntie, once this personal matter is one I feel comfortable discussing I will let you know”. Be assertive. You do not need to provide justifications for prioritizing your peace during the holidays.
We’re not saying there won’t be push back. We’re saying smile, sip your hot chocolate (or wine) and gently remind your loved ones that your Striving for Synergy therapist prescribed you a season of joy, not burnout..
3 | Make time for ME!
There is no ‘me’ in ‘holiday season’ – fix that! Carve a block of time for an activity you enjoy and would otherwise be doing during the rest of the year. Go to the gym, take your pup on a walk, read a book, drink a glass of wine, take a nap! Do not roll your eyes and complain there is no time – make the time. Do not host every get together, tell your partner to watch the kids for a couple hours, order gifts on amazon – Let yourself be refreshed this season.
Striving for Synergy prides itself on leading by example, accordingly, we are reminding you that everyone needs a break – even therapists! Hence the holiday auto-reply currently in use 🙂
4 | Practice Mindfulness
In moments of stress, take a timeout! Shout out a cheeky exit line – holiday meditation time! BRB I’m connecting with the holiday spirit! – breathe, find an escape route, and flex that mindfulness muscle. Remember, say bye to self-judgement, be present, and
explore your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. A quick self check-in can help prevent any stressful thoughts from developing into negative moods.
Should anyone need a reminder of how to flex their therapy muscles this season, here is the link to our blog!
Happy Holidays from Our Team!
We hope these tips can help you reframe your outlook on the holidays and jump start healthy holiday behaviours (CBT anyone?). Most importantly, happiest of holidays and warmest of wishes from our Striving for Synergy team.
P.S. Striving for Synergy is on holiday – but you’re NOT on your own. Use the tools your therapist has shared (begged) you to implement. Rest assured, our calendars open back up in January 🙂
About us
Giving you room to heal
We provide in-person and virtual psychotherapy services across Ontario, Canada, with the majority of our clients residing in the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga, Scarborough, Pickering, and Durham Region. Our services include individual therapy, family therapy, or couple's therapy, and group therapy.
Our approach respects you as a whole person, not just as the current struggle or ailment that you are experiencing. A member of our expert team will help you navigate your past and current experiences to facilitate growth and change for a brighter future.
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