BY ELLIE MCDONALD MSW, SUDPT
Ellie McDonald is a Behavioral Health Therapist at Skamania County Community Health

For many, the holiday season can lead to increased stress. Some people experience stress due to the financial burden of buying gifts, traveling, or hosting gatherings. Others may struggle with managing their time with preparations, traveling, or multiple parties. There are many who feel intensified loneliness and grief due to loss of loved ones. You are not alone if you are struggling.

As we move into the holiday season, here are some suggestions.

Set Realistic Expectations

The depiction of the perfect holiday gathering in media is unrealistic for many of us. It is helpful to recognize this and accept your own reality. As you attend gatherings, make sure to set and maintain healthy boundaries. If there are complex family dynamics to manage, keep in mind that you only have control over yourself. In advance, identify what you can afford to spend. Maintain that budget through the holidays. Use a calendar to help organize upcoming events. Remember, you can set aside time for yourself too! Offer to help during gatherings but avoid taking on too much. Ask for help when needed.

Prioritize Self-Care

Many of us struggle to accomplish everything on our to-do lists during the holiday season. You may feel an urge to cut out self-care tasks. It is important that you maintain your healthy routines.  Prioritize your need to eat well, get good sleep, engage in physical activity, and spend time outdoors.

Manage Emotional Health

Acknowledge your feelings through- out the holiday season. Avoid using substances as a way to numb emotions. If possible, it can be helpful to identify the triggers you may experience in advance. This allows you to prepare for how you may cope or avoid those triggers. Utilize coping skills such as taking deep breathes, going on a walk, reading a book, listening to music, writing in a journal, or whatever works for you.

Ask for Help

Attend support groups you belong to. Go to your routine appointments. If needed, ask to increase appointments with professionals such as a mental health therapist. Reach out to the supportive people in your life. Let them know how you are doing. Allow them to care for you. It is  import- ant to maintain these connections throughout the holiday season.