5 Ways to Cope with Upcoming Holidays and Find Joy

The holidays are right around the corner. While they might look a bit different this year, people will undoubtedly still find ways to celebrate.

For some, the holidays are already a stressful time. Add in the uncertainty of this year, and it can be challenging to get through them.

How can you cope with the upcoming holidays in healthy ways? How can you find joy, peace, and relaxation during this special time of year?

Let’s cover a few ideas that can make it easier to cope with upcoming holidays during these uncertain times so you can find the joy you deserve.

1. Act the Opposite of How You’re Feeling

While you don’t need to be “fake” or put on a show during the holidays, you can help yourself feel better by fighting against negative thoughts or self-talk.

For example, if you’re feeling lonely, surround yourself with family and friends. Focus on spending time with people who lift you. Avoid surrounding yourself with those that bring negativity or cause you to feel bad about yourself.

By actively working against negative feelings, you show your mind that you are in control and that negative self-talk will weaken.

2. Practice Self-Care

If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Find time for self-care throughout the season, and make sure you’re taking steps to better your health each day. Everything from eating right and avoiding alcohol to exercising each day can make a difference.

When you can, do something that you enjoy, even if you’re only able to for a few minutes each day.

3. Focus On Gratitude

It’s the season of giving, and it’s also a good time of year to reflect on the things you have. When you’re feeling stressed over the holidays, it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of what you’re going through.

That’s especially true this year when it feels as though so much has been taken.

Being grateful for the things and people you have in your life can make a big difference in how you feel. Start a gratitude journal and write down a few things you’re grateful for each day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or down, you can look at everything you have to be thankful for and boost your mood.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword for the moment. It’s a practice that actually works, and you can do it anywhere.

Even if you only have a few minutes each day, mindfulness can help you find relaxation and peace. Find a quiet spot and focus on nothing but your breathing and how you feel at that moment. Thoughts may continue to come, but let them pass by like clouds instead of holding onto them.

By staying in the present and not worrying about the future, you can find a sense of peace, making you feel lighter and happier each day.

5. Cross Things Off Your To-Do List

You might feel as though you have a million things to do this season. One strategy to cope with upcoming holidays is having a tangible “to-do” list — it can make your chores seem less overwhelming. Plus, you’ll feel motivated and accomplished each time you’re able to cross something off.

Additionally, get rid of things on that list that aren’t important. While that doesn’t mean you should procrastinate, it does mean you don’t need to be the one to take on everything. Please focus on the most meaningful items so you can get them done efficiently.

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The holidays can be a stressful time of year, especially in 2020. But, you don’t have to let those feelings overwhelm you or steal your joy. Keep these tips in mind to cope with the season and enjoy yourself this year.

Please reach out to me for more support or visit my Depression Treatment page to learn more about how I can help.

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All images are used for illustrative purposes only. Any person shown is used as a model only.