The most stressful time of the year?

With more balls to juggle than usual and pressure from friends and family, Christmas can be a difficult time to handle says DR VASILIOS SILIVISTRIS

Christmas is fast approaching and with it, so too is an increase in our stress levels. For most of us, Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year; it is a time when many people start to stress out worrying about many things such as buying gifts, social and family gatherings, Christmas work parties, the list goes on…

In addition, it is also a time when many people worry about financial constraints and working with a limited budget, wondering how to keep the family happy and prevent members from quarrelling.

 

What is stress?

Do you occasionally question what is life all about?

Do you sometimes suffer from ‘panic attacks?’

Do you feel continuously anxious?

In addition, do you also feel physically exhausted?

Stress is, simply put, the adverse reaction to an excess of pressure.

It is a very personal thing as the amount that we can reasonably cope with varies from person to person. It is the prolonged exposure to this state of pressure that results in stress warnings and symptoms, for example, having physical, emotional, mental or cognitive difficulties, as well as having behavioural issues.

Furthermore, stress can manifest itself from mild irritation and general unease through to the inability to cope or function in the usual way. The pressure becomes stress when the demands far exceed our ability to respond effectively.

 

Does this sound familiar?

You find it hard to concentrate or suffer from poor memory.

Lack of confidence and self-esteem which prevents you from making decisions.

Headaches or an upset stomach.

Irregular eating and sleeping patterns.

Loss of libido.

Back, shoulder and neck pain.

 

Stress response

The stress response is the mechanism that stems back from our primitive past when, as hunters, sabre tooth tigers constantly threatened us.

Of course, the human brain’s initial response is to survive.

However, in modern times, we have other conditions that are stressful, such as meeting deadlines, financial worries, employment insecurities, and of course this time of the year.

 

Break the ‘Cycle of Stress’

Have you ever tried to relax, only to find that your mind quickly wanders back to worries about money, relationships or world events? Perhaps it seems that the more you try to relax, the tenser you get. Well, you are not alone; this is the common ‘cycle of stress.’

To interrupt this cycle, take back some control; start with something small and realistic such as:

Regular exercise

Minimise caffeine intake such as drinking coffee, some teas, and coca-cola.

Prioritise demands in your life.

Being resourceful, doing things you enjoy doing like going to the cinema, being with your family, or going for a walk on the beach.

 

The good news is that there are some simple ways you can break this cycle. Often, it is simply a matter of remembering:

to breathe.

to be in your body.

to be mindful of what is happening.

in addition, remember to smile.

 

Furthermore, here are some simple tips to stay stress-free during the festive season.

 

1. Plan and organise your days by making a list of what important things you need to do before Christmas Day.
2. For Christmas lunch, decide what you are cooking and if you plan on cooking turkey, make sure you purchase one sooner rather than later.
3. Another tip is to have a look at some cookery books where you will be able to pick up some ideas.

4. Always recognise when you have done something worthwhile and feel good about doing it.

5. Make sure you are not under pressure from family, or friends, it is also good to say no at times, and not take on too much work.
6. Delegate some of the tasks, Christmas is about sharing and having fun.
7. Take frequent breaks and pace yourself.
8. Try some breathing exercises, these help if you are feeling panicky and anxious.
9. While you are busy in the kitchen, keep young children occupied by showing DVDs or videos, children love watching television.

 

If Christmas is an emotional time for you, if you have lost relatives or friends, or have family aboard, try to think about the happy times you had together.

They may not be with you physically, but the memories are always there, so use them well. After all, they would not want you to be unhappy.

Finally, do not drink too much! It will spoil Christmas for you and everyone else!

 

Dr Vasilios (Vasos) Silivistris is a Psychotherapist, Counselling Practitioner, Clinical Supervisor, and Specialist Mentor. https://psychotherapycounselling.uk