As the holiday season quickly approaches, many people feel overwhelmed by the mountain of tasks that pile up—scheduling trips, finding the perfect presents for the kids (or the in-laws), holding on to favorite traditions—all while trying to keep up with work and other daily commitments. Lately, it all begins with Black Friday, the official start to the holiday shopping season and for many, the worst form of anxiety and stress.
The holidays are a time for reconnecting with friends and family and a chance to take a break from our busy lives. Many of you would much rather be curled up on the couch on Friday morning, recovering from your turkey coma. But if you choose to face the crowds on Black Friday, here are a few suggestions for maintaining positive mental health and accomplishing your goals while still having a good time.
Be Patient
Is it really going to make a difference if you park 10 feet from the door, or 50? And do you really think you’ll get better service by snapping at the sales clerk who isn’t moving quickly enough for you? Instead, take a deep breath and force yourself to slow down. After a while you’ll stop reacting to your environment and start to navigate it with grace and purpose.
Stay on the Wagon
The Mayo Clinic has a number of suggestions for maintaining mental health during the holidays, and sticking to your healthy habits is a good one. It’s pretty easy to cave on sticking to your dietary regimens or getting enough sleep once guests arrive, or when you’re halfway through that Christmas list. Remember to get some pillow time, and consider a healthy pre-dinner snack before overdoing it on turkey and mashed potatoes.
Take the Path Less Traveled
If you feel compelled to take advantage of Black Friday sales to meet your budget, keep in mind that following the herd is not your only option. If shopping local is important to you, see if your city’s retailers participate in Small Business Saturday instead of fighting the mob at the mall. Or skip the crowds entirely. More online retailers like Amazon offer holiday sales after Thanksgiving, on Cyber Monday.
If You Need Help – Ask
Here’s another smart suggestion from the Mayo Clinic: If the holidays are too much to handle—despite your best efforts—don’t forget that there are mental health professionals who can help. Sometimes it’s enough to share your stresses with a trusted friend, but sometimes you need more than that. Remember, we’re all in this together.
David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide. Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.
