Ahhh.... the Holidays

Let's be frank. Sometimes the holidays can be stressful, but they don't have to be. Have you analyzed why the holidays are stressful for you? Is it because you have a long shopping list for friends and family? Is it because you're going to see your aunt who's going to ask you why you're not married, same as last year? Or maybe you're uneasy about the potential argument over politics? My advice is to focus on the reason for the season. What is special to you about the holidays, whichever ones you celebrate? Then, determine if your anxiety is caused by your own expectations, a cognitive distortion, or maybe exposure to a toxic person. Then, do something to change it: eliminate expectations, or change how you think about the situation, or remove yourself from the situation, whichever makes the most sense for you. Taking care of yourself can look like different things for different people. Whatever you do, be present, and make a decision to find joy.