"As a psychologist, I have never felt like the holidays were "the most wonderful time of the year". Many of my patients were far more stressed during the holidays than the rest of the year. Studies support this observation. There are financial stressors, family stressors, loneliness, and the expectations of it all. Here are a few tips to cope with this holiday season."
"So planning for imperfection will actually help you feel less stressed. Do your best but expect things to go wrong. A helpful way to look at it is to say "of course" when something goes wrong. " Of course the turkey didn't defrost in time even though you followed the instructions." " Of course your fridge stopped working just as your guests arrived." When we expect the imperfections, it makes it easier when life doesn't go as planned."
Holidays often increase stress due to financial pressures, family conflicts, loneliness, and unrealistic expectations. Planning for imperfection and expecting things to go wrong reduces stress and makes problems easier to accept. Practical coping includes doing one's best while anticipating mishaps, adopting an "of course" mindset, and preparing contingency plans. Family members tend to behave as they usually do, often more strongly under stress, so adjusting expectations about relatives’ behavior reduces disappointment. Actively seeking opportunities to lessen loneliness in oneself and others can improve emotional well-being and make holiday experiences more manageable.
Read at Psychology Today
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