Surviving Seasonal Stress
By Lyndsey Fowler |
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Are you prone to holiday season stress?
If so, you’re not alone as a growing number of people are struggling with the demands of the festive season. Screaming adverts and countdowns can set the nerves on edge at Christmas and the New year. Crowds, credit card bills, children’s lists for Santa all start to pile up and we can be left feeling as frazzled as last year’s decorations.
So, to avoid festive season stress, we could all benefit from taking stock of our own particular pressures and expectations. It helps to be realistic about the resources (time and money!) that are available and letting go of those things that are just not achievable. |
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The fabled family lunch, party or barbecue is an area where pressure can mount – the heady mix of alcohol, over excited children, friction between relatives and financial or social pressures can create an explosive environment.
Many people also feel the loss of loved ones particularly deeply at this time of year and feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and anxiety can all be exacerbated.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, angry or just plain exhausted try to take time out for yourself – even if only for a couple of minutes to help put things into perspective. Sharing your concerns and anxieties can also be effective: talking to a trusted family member or friend, your GP or a Lifeline counsellor can all help lighten the load at this time of year.
During the Festive Season, Lifeline will continue to take calls 24 hours a day – if our lines are busy please keep calling as our counsellors are here to support you and your loved ones
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