Sometimes, the “most wonderful time of the year” can feel anything but wonderful. Things like family conflict, social pressures, the financial cost of gifts, dealing with grief or loss, traveling during an ongoing pandemic, or personal feelings of loneliness can make the holiday season feel stressful for your employees.
These seasonal stressors may manifest in different ways — headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, low morale, loss of appetite, and a decline in work performance are all symptoms and behaviors that may be caused in part by stress. The good news? While most holiday-related stressors are self-imposed, they are preventable.
So, how can your employees practice self-compassion and manage stress during the holiday season? Share these eight tips for mental health maintenance from Dr. Rachelle Scott, Eden’s Director of Psychiatry:
- Assess your triggers and plan ahead: Budget to avoid overspending or impulsive spending, and avoid over-committing yourself during this time.
- Be realistic: Avoid perfectionist tendencies and remember to be flexible with yourself.
- Stay active: Commit to reasonable movement and engage in exercise that feels good for you (remember not to overdo it).
- Don’t sweat the small stuff: Asking yourself “What is the big picture here?” can help you refocus and stress less about minor tensions or obstacles.
- Just say no: Establish and maintain your boundaries.
- Set aside your differences: Be as understanding and compassionate toward others as you are to yourself. Confront and reframe presumptive thoughts.
- Conduct a self-assessment: Look at your internal value system and weigh what is important and necessary this season versus what is not.
- Acknowledge your feelings: Consider what is driving certain behaviors (like people-pleasing). Asking yourself “What is the root cause of these feelings?” can help you be more self-compassionate.
WHAT IF IT’S NOT JUST HOLIDAY STRESS?
If your employees are experiencing signs of clinical anxiety or depression, they may decide it’s time to seek professional help. If their symptoms are chronic and persistent or interfere with their ability to function as they need to, therapy can help them reduce stress and anxiety and improve their understanding of the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Learn more about how Eden supports your workforce’s mental health by contacting our team today.
This blog is intended to be informational in nature. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your Care Team or other healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.
