Help for the holidays

“One of the most important ways to reduce stress is to ask for help. This works not only during the holidays, but also all year ’round.” – Dr. Daisy Sutherland

Lately I’ve been noticing more articles on the topic of why some folks secretly dread the holiday season — even though it’s supposed to be a time of comfort, joy, and celebration. Ironically, rates of depression typically rise between Thanksgiving and December 31st, with many people reporting feelings of sadness.

For others, the holidays simply add another layer of stress and busy-ness. Some of us have trouble saying “no” when it comes to stuffing every moment in December with nonstop activity.

This year, make a point of asking for help when you need it. Delegate when you can. You’ll enjoy yourself more if you’re not the only one doing all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, Christmas-card addressing, meal planning, party planning, baking, cooking, housecleaning, and hosting. Don’t be emotionally blackmailed by those cheesy holiday commercials that make you feel like a loser if your house doesn’t look like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

And whenever you can, give yourself the gift of a long winter’s nap.~CL