The stores are crowded, parking lots jammed, party invitations are stacked up, and an endless list of tasks await you. Your chest feels tight and your stomach hurts as you realize you only have a few short days to accomplish everything. You are overwhelmed and don't even know where to begin. This is how many people who suffer from anxiety feel when it comes to the holidays.
Several years ago when my anxiety was at its peak, the holidays were an extremely difficult time. I felt that I was being suffocated and everything around me seemed chaotic. There were too many demands on my time. I wanted to crawl into bed and wake up on December 26th.
When you suffer from an anxiety disorder this joyous time of year can be met with dread. The difficult part is that most people who are suffering don't understand why they feel this way. I never did. All I knew was the feeling was real and powerful. Anxiety makes no sense. I am convinced that is why so many people choose to suffer in silence and not tell anyone.
I have not blogged in several months, however; I felt compelled to sit down and write some tips on how you or someone you care about can deal with anxiety during this stressful season. I dedicate this blog post to you!
Breathe
A few months ago someone I know was going through a family crisis. She came to me crying. She said she didn't know what to do. I looked at her and said "first, breathe." It is really important in moments of anxiety that you remember one simple thing - your breath. Long and slow deep breaths can help you find your center. It can also help regulate your blood flow. Sometimes without even realizing it, tension and stress can cause you to breathe more shallow which restricts the oxygen flow in your body. This can send you straight into a full blown panic attack.
Picture your safe place
Imagery is an excellent tool a person can use anywhere to combat anxiety. Think of a place that you feel safe. My safe place happens to be a deserted beach, in a hammock with the warm sun shining on my face.Wherever that place is for you, use all of your senses to experience it. When I think of myself on that beach, I can hear the tide come in, feel the warm sand between my toes and the hot sun on my face. The image of your safe place can immediately calm you down and help your anxiety to dissipate - no matter where you physically are in that moment.
Be kind to yourself
Tis' the season to give give give! However don't forget about yourself. It is really important that you know your limitations. If your anxiety is peaking and you simply feel like you can't go to Grandma's for a glass of egg nog - then don't. If there is absolutely no way to get out of it, then set a time limit. Make it known to Grandma when you arrive that you can only stay a short time. Sometimes just knowing that you have an "out" makes the entire process more bearable.
Take care of your physical body
It is very easy to overindulge at this time of the year. There are so many delicious treats around! It is important to eat a balanced diet. Too much sugar whether in food or alcohol can hype you up and make your anxiety worse. Make sure you drink lots of water. It keeps you hydrated and flushes toxins out of your body.
Although your checklist seems to grow by the day, take time to exercise. It helps workout the stress and gets the endorphins kicking. An added extra bonus is it helps burn calories from the plateful of cookies you just ate!
Sleep is also important. If you are not getting proper rest fatigue can take a toll on you. If you have trouble calming yourself down at night, I would encourage you to listen to something relaxing. No not "Grandma got run over by a reindeer," but rather something soothing. When I am feeling stress and having trouble sleeping, I like to plug in my earbuds and listen to the soothing sounds of a gentle rainfall. You can find many relaxation tracks on You Tube.
Keep your focus on what the celebration is really about
I can only imagine the peace and tranquility that surrounded baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable on the night of His birth in Bethlehem. After all this is the real reason we are celebrating! Try to channel that peace when you feel you have reached your breaking point this holiday season. If you can feel inner peace you will project that on the outside.
To wrap up my gift to you this holiday season, remember - breathe, go to your safe place when you feel stress, and be kind to yourself! And remember anxiety is real and not shameful. Millions of people around the world suffer from it everyday. Take the time to recognize your anxiety triggers. This will help you move through the holidays with ease.
Wishing you peace!
Until next time,
Andrea
