Get festive without the stress

By Georgia Ash, Mates4Mates Psychology Services Manager and Clinical Psychologist.

The holiday season symbolises different things to all of us. No matter what it means for you, make sure you plan ahead to reduce festive-related stress.

For some people, the holiday season is a joyous and fun-loving time, filled with family, friends and excitement. However, for others, it can be very stressful. Worries about finances and spending time with relatives, negotiating schedules and seemingly trying to keep everyone happy can understandably bring on feelings of stress, dread and sadness.

You may also be one of the many people who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves alone throughout the holiday period.

“Whatever the situation you find yourself in, it’s important to focus on your wellness to make this time as easy and stress free as possible. One way of achieving wellness is to use your time wisely.”

KEEP IT SIMPLE

This means not treating this time of year as another list of tasks that you must accomplish with deadlines and expectations attached. Delegate to take the pressure off, keep it simple, take time for yourself and adjust your expectations.

Focus on quality time with the people who mean the most to you and keep things in perspective. Not every activity needs to be squashed into this period and you simply cannot please everyone all the time. By using your time wisely and remembering that the purpose of the holiday season is to bring some joy and happiness into each other’s lives, you will place yourself in the best position to face challenges that arise.

MANY PEOPLE FEEL THE SAME AS YOU

Using your time wisely also applies if you are spending the holiday season alone this year. Sometimes having too much time on your hands can bring upon stress and sadness.

Adjusting expectations and understanding that many people are feeling the same way as you is important.

The reality is that in Australia, the rate of one person households has steadily increased over the years with the latest research showing over 24 per cent of households fall into this category. We also know that rates of loneliness have grown significantly over time with 1 in 10 reporting they lack social support and 1 in 6 experiencing emotional loneliness.

PHONE A FRIEND

If you know someone who is doing something on Christmas day, why not take the plunge and give them a call. Let them know your circumstances. Most people love opening their households to a friend.

Alternatively, try volunteering in your community. There are several organisations that run community lunches or dinners on Christmas day for those in need. Helping can be particularly rewarding at this time of year.

Be grateful for the people and things you do have in your life as too often we forget or minimise the things that matter.

No matter what your circumstance is during this holiday season, everyone can put steps in place to reduce festive-related stress.

WHERE TO FIND HELP?

If you need support over the holiday period, there are many organisations that offer 24-hour support.

• Open Arms - 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au
• Lifeline (24 hours) - 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service (24 hours) - 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Australian Defence Health All-hours Support Line - 1800 628 036