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You know, even when the holidays are brimming with cheer, they can wrap us up in a sneaky kind of stress. That’s because, while you’re sharing laughs with your loved ones, you also have to take care of travel plans and coordinate meet-ups with friends and family. And let’s not forget the delicate tango of family dinners, where every dish is a step, every conversation a spin.
Gifts – oh, the gifts! They come with their own kind of love and a dash of pressure, like choosing the perfect brew to match a friend’s taste.
But then, the music fades, the decorations come down, and just like the last drop of coffee at the bottom of your cup, reality hits. You’re back to the nine-to-five waltz, consumed by an endless reel of meetings, ticking deadlines, and the daily choreography of school pick-ups.
All these layers can weigh on you, and instead of feeling recharged and ready for a new season, you’re fatigued and overwhelmed. This is what we call the holiday hangover – it comes charged with seasonal stress and can, quite literally, turn your personal life upside down.
The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent it. And, if you’re already affected by it, there are ways to improve it. But first, let’s see how the holiday hangover can impact your personal life and your loved ones while learning how to overcome seasonal stress.
How the Holiday Hangover Affects Your Relationships
Besides affecting you physically, the holiday hangover also has an emotional impact, which can linger in our relationships. Consider how we navigate those festive gatherings – filled with warmth, sure, but also peppered with the stress of wanting everything to be picture-perfect.
As the holiday rhythm steps up, we’re often spinning from one interaction to another, and this can lead to missteps. Maybe we’re not as present as we’d like to be, or perhaps we accidentally step on a proverbial toe.
The stress adds up, and, in most cases, you blow up at the worst time possible. Most likely on an innocent bystander like your partner or your kids (or both). In a solid relationship, this can be a tiff you solve after a heated argument, but if there are pre-existing cracks, this can be the final straw.
How To Overcome the Seasonal Stress
The good news is that there are ways to create a healthy home environment during the holidays, even when the in-laws come to visit. Also, keep in mind that the only thing that’s under your control is your reaction.
You can’t control your mother-in-law’s mean remarks about the color of your decorations. But you can choose to let it go and not have a fighting match for such an insignificant topic. So, the secret to happy holidays is to be the bigger person and remember you only see each other several times a year.
Also, if you feel your relationship is not as good as it could be, you may want to consider couples therapy. Nowadays, you can use a platform like Path to find a licensed, in-network therapist that fits your needs. In fact, even happy couples can benefit from Rula’s support for relationship growth, so why not give it a try anyway? It could be the gift you make each other this holiday season.
Overall, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Holidays don’t have to be a blockbuster movie – keep it simple, and remember that perfection is like chasing the last drop in a coffee pot: unnecessary and likely to leave you burnt.
Prioritize and delegate to avoid feeling overwhelmed (get the kids involved as well). Plus, keep in mind that it’s okay to turn down some invites or delay certain traditions. Space out the activities, leaving moments for a deep breath and a deliberate sip of life.
Wrap Up
Take a step back and a deep breath. The holidays are not a marathon, and you don’t have to do anything special if you don’t feel like it. Heck, the best holidays are spent at home, with the family and pets, reading a good book by the fireplace. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to take a break, do so. Cancel your travel plans and tell your loved ones you’re out this season.
