Tips to help you manage stress this holiday season

While the holidays can be an exciting time, it can also be a difficult time for some of us. Even for those surrounded by festivities, food and family, it can be a time when we feel alone, disconnected or isolated, for many reasons, which affects our sense of wellbeing and mental health.

With this in mind, we’ve gathered some information on stress, and tips for taking care of yourself and others. Taking small, positive steps can help you feel better and more in control.

Here are some tips to help you manage stress:

• Understand what causes stress, and recognize your own feelings.
• Be patient with yourself and those close to you – it takes time to manage feelings.
• Learn how to manage your reactions to these experiences.
• Focus on the things you have control over.

IT MAY HELP TO:

• Maintain daily routines and do things that normally give you pleasure.
• Eat healthy foods, get sleep and exercise if possible.
• Socialize with other people.
• Accept support and assistance.
• Allow yourself to feel sad and grieve.
• Give someone a hug.
• Take small steps.
• Find more on coping with crisis.

Following an emergency or disaster, a person may experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviour that can be intense, confusing and frightening. If these reactions to stress persist beyond several weeks and make it impossible to function normally over a long period of time, seek help. One option is to contact your local health facility, or a crisis support line.

If you are in crisis, please call 911 immediately.

Providing emotional and practical support to people who are having difficulty coping can be helpful. Consider taking a psychological first aid course for self-care strategies, and ways to support others who dealing with stressful events.

Learn more at redcross.ca/selfcare and download this free psychological first aid guide.


Related Stories:

• Why you need to learn psychological first aid
• Reducing mental health stigma, responding to mental health crisis
• Caring for yourself and loved ones after tragic events