According to Neuhaus, there are three main tips you can follow to help lower your stress levels and improve your mood during the holiday season: accept, regulate, and communicate.
"By accept, I mean simply being open and aware to the fact that the holiday season is stressful for many and to monitor one's own feelings," Neuhaus explains. "This is important because we often think that we shouldn't feel overwhelmed or that we have 'nothing to complain about.'"
Regulate, on the other hand, means taking action to help improve and stabilize your mood. For instance, implementing some good lifestyle habits into your daily routine, like exercising, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, and getting a good night's sleep, can greatly benefit both your mental and physical health and well-being. You can also help reduce stress by meditating, engaging in breathing exercises, practicing mindfulness, or even just savoring a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
Lastly, Neuhaus recommends communicating your feelings of stress with someone, whether that person is a friend, family member, or therapist. "Many people find it helpful to practice communicating their personal boundaries, so that they're better equipped for conversations with family members during the festivities," she shares.
To learn more about Dr. Maike Neuhaus, visit ducidium.com and theflourishingdoc.com or find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
