Here are some more tips to cope with the holidays as a highly sensitive person. As I mentioned previously, we can celebrate this difficult, but joyous time, on our own terms if we have a plan to do so.
Social Overload
As far as I’m concerned, there are too many social activities this time of the year. What do you think? It can be entirely overstimulating. Remember that it’s okay to choose wisely and say “no” to some things. Don’t spend your time at a party with people whose company you don’t really enjoy. Your true friends and understanding family members won’t hold it against you if you need to take some down time.
Loneliness, Anxiety, Depression
If you’re feeling lonely, seek support and companionship from others. For highly sensitive people, it can be especially intimidating to make the first move, but the benefits almost always outweigh the costs. Loneliness can be a powerful motivator to help us come out of our shells, and you should use it to your advantage. Whether you are the one who is feeling lonely, or know someone who is lonely, try to make an effort to reach out to others. Helping someone or volunteering your time to a cause you believe in will help you feel better about yourself and give you an opportunity to meet others who share your interests.
If you find that you just can’t cope with your anxiety or sadness, get the help you need. The holidays can be a very difficult time. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your feelings, talk to family and friends, or seek out a doctor or mental health professional. As the New Year approaches, it is the perfect time to address issues with anxiety or depression. There is no shortness of help. You just have to be open to receiving it.
Past Regrets
As the year closes, we may take stock of the past months and feel bad about unfulfilled goals. Perhaps you didn’t lose the weight or get the promotion you had wanted. While it’s great to have high expectations, understand that goals are not always met within your planned time frame. Rather than feeling down, take this time to re-evaluate. Why didn’t these things get done? Are these goals still important? If so, what could you do differently in the New Year to meet them? Regroup and re-energize by focusing on the future rather than lamenting the past!
Be good to yourself this holiday season and do all that you can to manage your stress and set a positive tone for the New Year. The holidays are a time of celebration, renewal, and joy, whatever your circumstances are. The choice of how you will experience the season is always yours to make.
Grieving During the Holidays
Grief at the loss of a loved one is an emotionally painful and debilitating condition at any time of year. There is no right or wrong way to handle the holidays in grief. You have to decide what is right for you and do it. Allow time for feelings to express themselves. Don’t keep feelings bottled up. If you feel like crying, by all means do so. You can cancel the holiday altogether. If you find yourself going through the motions and feeling nothing, cancel them. Take a year off. The same holidays will come around again and your family and friends will understand. Most of all, don’t feel guilty about “spoiling” anyone else’s merriment. You’re entitled to your feelings.
Too Much Food and Temptation
Over-indulgence in food or alcohol can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and guilty. Make a pledge to have a fun but healthy holiday season. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a few treats here and there, but try to keep things in moderation. Also be sure to get plenty of rest during this stressful time. As best you can, try to maintain an exercise schedule. If you take care of yourself, you’ll have more energy to enjoy the best that the holidays have to offer.
These tips can be applied throughout the year. Can you think of any other tips to cope with the holidays? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.
If you find my content useful, I would appreciate it if you would share it with others! Feel free to use the share buttons below, or to add your comments to this post. I do respond to comments!
Join my community, and get my free e-book and twice per month newsletters, 17 Powerful Tips To Help You Thrive As A Highly Sensitive Person. I have an archive of my previous newsletters. Some topics include: Are you a magnet for toxic people?… Do you give up too easily?… Would you rather be perfect or productive?… and much more!