By Donna V. Scaglione
Thanksgiving is over but the holiday rush is officially on. We’re told that this is the season to celebrate, a time to be festive and to be with those we care about. Expectations can run high, as can stress levels, feelings of anxiety, and even family resentments. And if you’ve recently experienced a loss — be it a loved one or a job — the thought of facing the holiday season may seem especially difficult. But there are ways to cope and help yourself feel better. Here are eight tips for making the season much more tolerable, if not downright joyful.
1. Set priorities
Be careful not to overextend yourself, mental health experts advise. Staying up all night wrapping perfect presents and making exquisitely decorated cookies will leave you feeling fatigued and frazzled the next day. To avoid becoming irritable and grouchy over your lengthy to-do list, organize your time, prioritize what is truly important, and let the other things go. And don’t forget to delegate.
