#DecemberNewsletter
#LLTJJR NEWSLETTER
Greetings to you all! It’s almost Christmas and the New Year is just around the corner as well. The holidays are a favorite time of year to celebrate, but for some this is a time that can exacerbate loneliness, anxiety and depression. December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month and a time to bring more awareness about how the holidays can affect us. During this time of year, 46% Americans reported feeling alone, and 47% feel left out (Magellen Healthcare, 2019). Some factors that contribute to holiday stress and anxiety include, unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments (Magellen Healthcare, 2019).
Here are a few things you can do to keep your stress level down this holiday season:
- Feeling overwhelmed? Just say NO!
Don’t feel obligated to attend that ugly sweater party or brave the stores for that last-minute gift you forgot to buy. Try not do too many errands in one day and be sure to find time for self-care and relaxation. Be honest with how many social gatherings you want to attend (or host) and forgive yourself if you are just not in the mood.
- Stay within your financial means.
Covid-19 has left several people laid off and unemployed this year. Find alternative ways to giving gifts such as a family games, video chatting, and just spending quality time. Come up with a budget that is thoughtful and generous without going overboard.
- Recognize when you need stop uncomfortable conversations.
We can all think of one or more toxic family members that can turn a great moment into a verbal and/or physical altercation. Know when the conversation is starting to take a negative shift and remove yourself from the room or leave all together if that is what’s best for you. Try not to torture yourself with conversations about sensitive topics such as a recent break up or job loss and simply tell them you would rather not discuss it.
- Remembering lost loved ones.
This year has been especially difficult for those who may have lost someone due to Covid-19. It can be hard to cope with the loss of a loved one during the holidays regardless of how long it has been. It is okay not to be okay. Think of new traditions if old ones are too painful and honor their memory instead of mourning their absence.
- There is a difference between being lonely and alone.
Some people enjoy the solitude and self-reflection, however if you’re feeling lonely, plan in advance to spend time with friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors that won’t stress you out. Loneliness may increase your vulnerability to depression, and anxiety and can cause you to spiral further in your sadness.
(Fritze, 2020)
Hopefully these suggestions will help you to get through the holidays with less stress and enjoy moments of joy and peace. The #LLTJJR Team and I wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season.
Amourie Johnson, RN, MSN
If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Disclaimer: Although I am a health professional, I am not a mental health specialist, and this article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice from a mental health provider. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and will give credit to the source as a guide and reference to my thoughts and views.
#REFERENCES
Fritze, Danielle (2020). Five things to do when the holidays aren’t exactly uplifting. Mental Health America. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/blog/5-things-do-when-holidays-arent-exactly-uplifting
Magellan Healthcare (2019). Mind your mental health National Stress-free Family Holidays Month. Retrieved from https://michelin.magellanascend.com/Content/View/17514