25 Tips For Coping With Holiday Stressors – Tip 22 – Stick With What Always Works

We’ve reached day 22 of our 25 Tips For Coping With Holiday Stressors and the stress levels are no doubt increasing.  Yesterday, in Tip 21, we showed some benefits of using professional gift-wrapping services as a technique to help reduce stress.  Today, we talk about the benefits of NOT changing what you know to work!

Day 22 – Tip 22: Stick With What Always Works

Introduction

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and celebration, but it can also bring along a fair share of stress and anxiety. With the pressure to create the perfect holiday experience, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of expectations. However, embracing the familiar traditions and rituals that have always brought us happiness at Christmas can have significant mental health benefits. Today, we will explore why sticking with what always works during the festive season can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

Establishing a Sense of Stability

Amidst the chaos of the holiday season, sticking with established traditions can provide a stable and comforting structure. These familiar rituals create a sense of continuity and familiarity, reducing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Whether it’s decorating the tree, baking cookies, or watching a favorite holiday movie, these activities can ground us and remind us of the joyous moments from the past.

Creating a Source of Comfort

The holiday season can be emotionally challenging, especially for those who have experienced loss or are struggling with mental health issues. Engaging in activities that have always brought us joy can serve as a source of comfort during these challenging times. It allows us to reconnect with positive memories, foster a sense of belonging, and provide a much-needed escape from stressors.

Enhancing Emotional Well-being

Engaging in traditions that have always brought us happiness triggers a release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones. These neurochemicals help improve our mood, reduce stress levels, and promote overall emotional well-being. By immersing ourselves in activities that evoke nostalgia and positive emotions, we can alleviate mental burdens and boost our spirits.

Strengthening Social Bonds

Sticking with what always works at Christmas often involves shared traditions with loved ones. These activities create opportunities for quality time and strengthen social connections. Engaging in familiar traditions with family and friends fosters a sense of togetherness and belonging, promoting positive mental health. Whether it’s gathering around the dinner table, playing games, or singing carols, these shared experiences create lasting memories and deepen relationships.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Gratitude

By embracing established traditions, we can cultivate mindfulness and gratitude during the holiday season. Engaging in familiar activities encourages us to be present in the moment, allowing us to appreciate the joy and beauty of each experience. This mindfulness practice can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and promote a positive outlook on life.

Conclusion

In a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain, sticking with what always works at Christmas can provide a much-needed anchor to our mental well-being. By embracing familiar traditions, we establish stability, find comfort, and promote emotional well-being. These rituals not only strengthen social bonds but also foster mindfulness and gratitude. So, this holiday season, take the time to cherish and relish in the traditions that have always brought you joy – your mental health will thank you.

That’s the end of Day 22 in our 25  Tips For Coping With Holiday Stressors.  Look out for Day 23 tomorrow.

If you missed any of the previous tips, you can check them all out here.