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Managing the
demands of the
holiday season
Too many tasks and not enough time?
Dr. Brinkman-Sull, Ph.D., vice chair of psychiatry
and chief psychologist of the Summa Health
Behavioral Health Institute, shares 7 ways to
ensure a happy holiday.
1 Have an attitude of gratitude 4 Plan ahead
Making an effort to remember all of the things you’re There’s no rule that says everything needs to be handled
grateful for is very important this time of year. Research right before a celebration. Stretching out holiday activities
has shown that taking time to express gratitude or even over a longer period of time can help reduce stress by
acknowledge thankfulness in our own thoughts increases alleviating time constraints. For things that do need to be
well-being and creates positive feelings. Gratefulness can done last minute, checklists can help keep you organized.
be the antidote to increased stressors of the
holiday season. 5 Take time for yourself
2 Create a budget and stick to it Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions,
can refresh and rejuvenate. Clear your mind, slow your
Overspending at the holidays is a common experience breathing and restore inner calm. Some options may
that can add to your stress by creating financial pressures include stargazing, listening to music, taking a bath,
after the season is over. Make a plan before you go meditation or reading a good book.
shopping about how much money you can afford
to spend and then follow your budget. Remember, a 6 Ask for help
mountain of gifts won’t create happiness.
If you feel overwhelmed with all that you have to do, don’t
3 Perfect the art of polite refusal hesitate to ask others for help. Doing it all yourself won’t
make the holiday any better. If you’re not careful, you’ll
It’s hard to say no, but saying “yes” to every holiday miss out on enjoying the celebration. Be flexible in your
invitation and demand could leave you exhausted. Decide plans, ask for and accept help from others, and remember
what matters most, whether it’s baking, seeing friends, Tip #7…
volunteering, etc. When you know your priorities, it’s
easier to say “no” when you’re aware of what you’re 7 Set realistic expectations
gaining in return. When saying no, always be honest,
short and thankful. There are factors beyond your control that can negatively
impact any celebration. Be prepared that things may not
turn out exactly the way you want or expect, and people
may not act the way you want them to. Try to identify
what you can and cannot change. Be realistic in what you
have real power over, and try not to let what you don’t
weigh too heavily on you.
6 Thrive - Fall 2016
