Holidays should bring joy and rest, but sometimes they become a source of stress and exhaustion. A new thing and New Year's holidays can not only inspire, but also exhaust, because the modern rhythm of life, marketing influence and idealized images in social networks create additional pressure. How to cope with holiday stress and maintain inner harmony? Psychologist and CBT consultant Olena Hnatko told about it.
Causes of holiday stress
Once upon a time, New Year's holidays seemed like a real fairy tale: a Christmas tree, gifts, festive dishes and entertainment in the circle of loved ones. But over time, festive moments change. Now we ourselves become the creators of these holidays and often try to create a perfect image of the holiday season, relying on social networks, where everything seems perfect. Retailers, marketers and popular influencers continue to sell not only products, but also the idea of the "perfect holiday mood". This pursuit of perfection can lead to holiday stress as we try to complete all the tasks, buy all the gifts, and create the "dream holiday" atmosphere.
Olena Hnatko explains that the so-called "syndrome of missed opportunities" (FOMO) also plays a role: we often feel the fear of missing important moments or not keeping up with others, which results in exhaustion and stress.
How to reduce stress during the holidays
- Planning . You need to plan in advance what you want to do during the holidays and divide these tasks into smaller steps. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. It is important to assess the reality of tasks and their relevance to you in order to avoid disappointment in case of failure.
- Budget . Distribute funds so that after the holidays you will not be left with an empty wallet. Holiday expenses can be big, but it's important not to go on impulse purchases that can create additional financial difficulties.
- Do not forget about yourself . It is important not to forget about your own needs. This will allow you to maintain emotional balance and a good mood. If you feel that the holiday is becoming a burden, do not be afraid to say "no" to urgent, but not important things.
- Involvement of loved ones . Organize a holiday together with family or friends. Preparing together creates a sense of support and involvement in creating the holiday, which reduces stress and helps bring more joy.
- Take care of yourself . Short walks, warm baths and rest allow you to regain strength. If you feel that the stress is too great, do not be afraid to seek help from a psychologist.
The magic of holidays is in warm emotions
Olena Hnatko emphasizes: the main thing is not the pursuit of ideal standards, but the creation of a holiday that will bring joy to you and your loved ones. Holidays are not about perfection, but about moments spent with the ones you love. Do not be afraid to preserve your traditions and do not strive to conform to imposed ideals.
