The “happy” holiday season is a time where many people feel stress a little more acutely. (Feel free to laugh loudly if you feel like this is an understatement…) In addition to shopping, cooking and planning, the abundance of family time, or for some, the lack of, brings up frustration, anger, sadness, grief, nostalgia, etc. Maybe it’s even this recent election season that has you feeling the potential conflicts already brewing around the dinner table. Maybe you’re already silently practicing your debate skills or planning your swift escape plan as you read this.
No matter what your situation, this time of elevated stress or joy is a great opportunity to take a breath and reflect on how we’re truly feeling and how we are responding to all of these situations. For many of us, letting all of these feelings of stress come up rather than stuffing them down garners the same response as the dog peeing on the Christmas tree. “NO! STOP! Get away!” If you let the cornucopia of emotions rise, they may feel like too much, so I encourage you to take on your stressors one or two at a time.
Provided here is a simple worksheet to turn the level of overwhelmed down to a manageable hum. Taking a few minutes to follow the guided thought process and perhaps to share it with others in your life could be the best gift you give yourself.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Christie
Author: Christie Kruisenga is a naturopathic practitioner offering consultations for those desiring holistic direction on their wellness journey.