Sometimes life doesn't happen the way that we have imagined it. Things reel out of control. Surprise twists and turns in the journey of life cause us to feel violated, and robbed of our own good intentions. Our chance at love could even be snatched from our hands, due either to our own choices or someone else's. The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests; stress and depression. When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. The reality is the holiday season can be joyous, but it can also be a source of stress for many people.

Here are 13 ways to cope with holiday stress and prevent stress and depression during the holidays.

Set Realistic Expectations to Cope With Holiday Stress:

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create a perfect holiday. It's okay if things don't go exactly as planned. Mental stress (such as holiday stress) can be a trigger for the cause of anxiety and depression.

Prioritize Self-Care to Cope With Holiday Stress:

Take care of your physical and mental well-being to prevent holiday stress. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and make time for holiday activities you enjoy.

Manage Your Time to Cope With Holiday Stress:

Plan your holiday activities and events in advance. Avoid overcommitting and learn to say no when necessary.

Budget Wisely:

Financial stress is a common holiday concern. Set a budget for gifts and other expenses, and stick to it.

Delegate Tasks:

Don't feel like you have to do everything on your own. Delegate tasks to others and share responsibilities.

Connect with Others:

Reach out to friends and family for support. Share your feelings and concerns, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Practice Gratitude:

Focus on the positive aspects of the holidays and express gratitude for the good things in your life. This can help shift your mindset.

Limit Social Media:

Social media can create unrealistic expectations. Limit your time on social platforms, and remember that people often share their highlights, not their struggles.

Create Boundaries:

Be mindful of your own needs and set boundaries to protect your well-being. It's okay to decline invitations or take breaks when you need them.

Celebrate in Your Own Way:

Don't feel pressured to conform to traditional holiday norms. Celebrate in a way that feels right for you, even if it means doing things differently. Experts say the holidays can be exciting, stressful, fun, and exhausting all at once. The holidays also can be dangerous due to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Hear from Dr. Kevin Barrett, a Mayo Clinic neurologist, about the causes of this increased risk and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

Learn to Say No:

It's okay to decline invitations or additional responsibilities if you feel overwhelmed. Saying no is a valid and healthy choice.

Take a Break:

If things become too stressful, take a break. Go for a walk, meditate, or engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

Seek Professional Support:

If holiday stress becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.

Remember that it's okay to prioritize your well-being during the holidays. Everyone experiences stress to some degree, but by implementing these strategies, you can help manage and reduce holiday-related stress.

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About The Author:  Dr. Nikki LeToya White MSEd-TL, Ph.D. RHN is the founder, director, and full-time board-certified trauma-informed nutritionist, folk herbalist, and wellness consultant at Spiced Life Conversation Art Wellness Studio and Botanica. She created Spiced Life Conversation, LLC Art Wellness Studio, and Botanica to provide the Metro Atlanta area with counseling and coaching services where clients are carefully matched with the right program for healing abandonment and childhood emotional neglect trauma that cause codependency, emotional eating, financial stress, and imposter syndrome as it relates to the fear of success and being abandon. We help you begin your emotional healing journey with ease. Recently, we have expanded to include an online membership site so we now provide support to people living all over the world. All of our recovery coaches provide at least one evidence-based treatment to assist in your recovery. Dr. White is a big proponent of self-care and helping people live a fulfilling life! She has been in full remission with both codependency and emotional binge eating disorder since 2016. In living a life in recovery from sugar addiction. I love my low-sugar balanced lifestyle.

Best Regards

Dr. Nikki LeToya White