by Voices Wellness 
Self-care is more important than ever now that the festivities are nearing.
The Christmas and the year-end holidays might be a welcome respite after yet another tumultuous year, but for those prone to anxiety, and depression, the festivities can be a nightmare. Not only do they have to deal with the demands of hosting dinners and meeting relatives they haven’t seen in a while, but there’s also the underlying worry of community spread when it comes to the ongoing pandemic.
To mitigate the stresses that come with the season, here are some tips to know.
Have realistic expectations
Even if you’re not a perfectionist, there are plenty of expectations that come along with the season. Whether you’re expected to plan the family gathering or have a list of presents to shop for, know that situations can change especially in these unusual times. As families grow, traditions and rituals can evolve as well. Although Christmas might not be the same as pre-pandemic times, there are plenty of ways to make it meaningful. For instance, celebrate with the whole family on a video call, or share photos and videos over social media. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, shop for your gifts and groceries online and in advance to accommodate for longer shipping times.
Maintain healthy habits
The holiday season may seem like a free pass to unbridled indulgence, late nights, and endless partying, but the consequences will likely come back to haunt you. Try having a healthy snack before festive meals to avoid overeating, drink moderately to prevent a regretful hangover, get sufficient sleep, and continue your regular exercise regime. Whenever possible, take a break from documenting the celebrations on social media and instead, focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. By maintaining healthy habits, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit without coming out of it feeling burnt out or sluggish.
Stay clear of known triggers
Whatever stresses you out regularly is likely to exacerbate during the year-end festivities. If tight deadlines leave you panicking inside, be sure to start early when it comes to making your gift shopping list or ordering ingredients you might need for whipping up a feast. Alternatively, delegate tasks to family members so that there’s less pressure weighing on you. If certain people stress you out with their toxic presence, reconsider if it’s worth spending time with them during the holidays. Small talk or public speaking not your thing? Consider getting someone else to host your gathering and plan for entertainment in advance, whether it’s a board game or putting on a Christmas movie.
