Let’s face it – any holiday can be a stressful time for many of us. From the gift-buying to the preparation to having just the right clothes for the occasion, it can be overwhelming – especially if you already have anxiety.
Fortunately, special holidays can be a little less hectic and stressful if you just follow these helpful tips:
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
From birthdays to anniversaries to special reunions, it’s easy to get caught up in all the planning and preparing and to forget about simply taking care of yourself in the meantime. Focus on getting enough sleep each night instead of staying up late to complete tasks. Write down notes for yourself so you don’t go crazy thinking you’ll forget to do something later.
It’s a good idea to keep a pen and paper next to your bedside for when you think of something you don’t want to forget. You’ll be able to sleep more soundly knowing that you’ve made a reminder for yourself.
Getting a little exercise can help you to take your mind off of the preparations for a moment and ease your spirits. Try to schedule exercise every day – walk up and down the block, walk your dog around the house a couple of times, and dance around your living room to your favorite song. Do what makes you happy while taking a break!
Create a Schedule
With so much to do, you might not know where to start. The best approach is to tackle one task at a time.
In order to complete everything you need to do, create a schedule. For instance, you may first want to focus on shopping for everything you’ll need within the first one or two days of your preparation. Each day should include only one or two things that are productive, and not so many tasks that you’re busy all day to the point of exhaustion – and you may even forget to eat properly.
Know Your Limits
When you start to feel like everything is too much, take a break. Go outside and get some fresh air – get the mail out of the mailbox. Sit down and have some coffee or a snack. Don’t keep pushing yourself through the stress.
Experienced Psychiatrist in NYC
When a holiday or a special occasion is becoming very stressful, reach out to a skilled and caring psychiatrist – do not try to do all of this alone. Dr. Mark Stracks is an experienced mental health specialist in Manhattan who understands that holidays and special occasions can exacerbate issues like anxiety.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stracks, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (718) 887-2918 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you tamp down your stress levels so you can enjoy every special occasion!
