How to Cope with Stress during the Holidays

By Jennifer McDougall

When the holidays arrive, many of us begin to feel quite a bit of stress due to the impending cost of gift giving, highly pressurized time with relatives, and travel arrangements to be with loved ones during this special time of year. For many people, the holidays are joyous and a time filled with big meals, lots of laughter, and precious moments creating memories with those we love. For others, the holidays are a dreadful and lonely season. It doesn’t have to be this way though. This year, if you are someone who feels alone or is dreading having to spend time with family, we encourage you to open yourself up to a more positive perspective during this holiday season. Try to make it fun.

Here are several ideas to relieve you from stress or symptoms of loneliness.

  • Don’t abandon your healthy habits and use self-control to stay the course of your sober lifestyle (good hygiene, exercise, self-respect, nutritious diet, 8-9 hours of sleep, etc.)
  • Set a spending budget that is realistic and create a plan to stick to it
  • Put out festive decorations and holiday scented candles
  • Learn to say no and maintain your personal boundaries without feeling obligated to do anything you know would not be good for you
  • Remind yourself of what you are grateful for every day
  • Tell your loved ones how much you care about them without hesitation and avoid confrontation when possible. No arguments. If a situation begins to get ugly, hold back from using any hurtful language.
  • Treat yourself to a spa day for personal care (this can even be done at home)
  • Watch fun holidays movies with a cup of herbal tea or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage
  • Bake cookies or your favorite kind of pie and invite friends and family over to enjoy together

Whether you are planning to spend the holidays alone or with family, we hope you choose to enjoy this time doing festive things such as ice skating, fill up on delicious comfort food, reminiscing on happy memories from past years, and reminding yourself of what you are grateful for in life. The holidays are a great time to evaluate the year behind you and look forward to what the future has in store.

Holiday Season at Passages Rehab

How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

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