For some people, the holiday season is a time of happiness and cheer. However, for you it may be a complete opposite. It may feel like a burden with the stress and anxiety that comes with it. And there are different reasons why you may feel that way. It can be due to the volume of errands that you need to do, unhappy memories associated with it, or simply the pressure to be in anxiety-provoking situations.

You don’t have to hide and wait for the season to be over to escape from all of these. There are ways that can help you cope with the stress and anxiety that comes with the season. Here are some of them:

1. Lower Your Expectations

Unrealistic expectations are among the most common sources of anxiety during the holiday season. It can be expectations you set for yourself or others. When you set your expectations too high, and they are not met, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and distrust.

The key to keeping this holiday season stress-free is to keep your expectations realistic with your current situation. Buying gifts within your budget, setting a reasonable amount of time to do every task or errand, and just being in the present can help you stay sane despite the chaos this holiday brings.

2. Get Sufficient Rest/Sleep

This may not be high on your priority list given your long list of things-to-do but this is imperative if you want to stay stress-free throughout the holiday.

Studies have shown that lack of sleep has an effect on mood and stress level. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found out that those who get less than five hours of sleep each night for a week are more stressed, mentally exhausted, sad, and angry. So this holiday season, don’t forget to hit your bed and give your body its much-deserved rest.

3. Learn To Say ‘No’

With friends and family around, it can be so easy to get overwhelmed especially with unending invites to events or parties. Learning to say ‘no’ can keep you stress-free. Besides, it’s better to be in an event where you’re fully present rather than being there but constantly wishing you weren’t.

4. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Holidays are never without a drink or two. After all, it has become a symbol of merriment. While drinking occasionally is totally fine, what’s not is overindulging in the substance.

In small amounts, alcohol can have a relaxing effect; thanks to its ability to alter the brain’s chemistry. However, too much alcohol in the body can have a totally different effect. The initial feel-good sensation can lead to anxiety, depression, and aggressiveness. So slow down with the wine and beer.

5. Try Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is another method you can try to ease anxiety and stress. It’s a form of therapy on which positive suggestions are used to bring about subconscious changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. While it’s not a cure-all therapy, it has practical use for stress, anxiety, depression, and phobias.

A trained therapist will assist you in what is called a guided relaxation. Once you reach the heightened form of awareness (also called a trance), the therapist will start to make suggestions on your thoughts and tasks.

The beneficial effects of hypnosis for anxious patients are supported by a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. The study revealed that cognitive hypnotherapy is as effective as behavioural therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders. This can be due to the similar techniques employed by these therapies.

If you have bouts of mild anxiety, you can benefit from hypnosis for anxiety mp3 such as this. However, for moderate and severe anxiety, you need to see a hypnotherapist.

You can find a lot of hypnotherapists out there but if you want to make the most out of the therapy, especially when dealing with stress and anxiety this season, then you must opt for someone who has a proven track record.

I’m a clinical hypnotherapist and for years, I have helped clients deal with problems like anxiety with the use of hypnosis. Some of my clients include C-suite executives from some of the world’s largest organizations. If you’re struggling with anxiety this season and can’t seem to cope with it, give me a call. A guided hypnosis can help you deal with the stress and anxiety of the holiday.

You can check out my full of hypnotherapy services here.

This season only comes once a year so don’t let anxiety or stress keep you from making the most of it. Be present, enjoy quality time with your loved ones, and ease your anxiety with the help of the suggestions above.

Image: Flickr