Ways to handles stress this festive season
BOSKRUIN – So you do not to fall prey to the battles you might face this festive season, Akeso medical gives you valuable tips.
Psychologist at Akeso Clinic, Richard Streeten gave advice on how to handle the sometimes stressful festive season.
“Depending on the experiences a person has had during the year, the risk of developing psychological and mental disorders over the festive period can indeed be higher,” said Streeten.
If you’ve had a difficult year, this will make you vulnerable. In fact, crises of any kind, are all triggers which normally can lead to breakdown.
It can also be a difficult time if you are alone, as this increases your sense of lonesomeness.
“For people who already suffer from some mental and psychological disorders, this time of the year the risk of relapse may increase precisely because of social isolation and a lack of support,” said Streeten.
Streeten emphasised that for sanity to prevail and to remain mentally and psychologically ‘intact’ over the festive season, you should stick to a routine, both at home and at work. Don’t get caught up in the hype and place unrealistic expectations on yourself.
If you will travel far, prepare yourself well in advance for frustrations of heavy traffic, stop frequently to rest – patience is most important.
With many people around you relaxing and taking it easier, it’s also a high risk period for binging when you may feel the need to let go of your self-control and reward yourself. Remember that the consequences can be severe if you place yourself in high-risk situations and lose reason and judgement.
Lastly he said to avoid comparing yourself or keeping up with others.
“Trying to keep up with the Joneses may be so stressful that you will end up feeling completely run-down and depressed,” said Streeten.
Handy hints to keep a cool head over the festive season:
- Know your emotional triggers and avoid, or prepare for them
- Use support
- Seek help if necessary
- See the festive season as a time to rest and recover
- Don’t get caught up in the hype and expectations of the festive season
- Set yourself up for starting 2016 with an optimistic and positive mind-set
- Set goals for the New Year which are realistic and you know you can achieve
- If stressful family gatherings are organised, prepare for them mentally. Focus on yourself and don’t expect others to behave in a certain way or you could end up feeling disappointed and angry
- Renew your spiritual/religious practises in order to ground yourself and develop resilience
- Anticipate crowds, bad driving, and traffic congestion, accept that this is a reality which can be managed with the right mind-set.
Details: Akeso Clinics, info@akeso.co.za or 011 447 0268.
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