If only we could alleviate stress as easily as a vaccine in which we would no longer be susceptible to anxiety at all during the holidays.  (The lines would be long and inventory short.) Here are a few strategies to help you prepare for the stress.  First, think about all the places and situations where there is potential for high stress or anxiety.  (Past behavior is a good indication of what this year may hold in store.) Is it interacting with a certain family member?  Shopping for someone in particular? A reminder of a past relationship and knowing you will be in a specific setting which will stir those memories? Maybe it is no plans for the holidays and you have anxiety over being alone.   Consider all the possibilities and then rank them from the least to highest possible stress.  I suggest starting at the lowest stress point and working your way up.

Here comes the difficult part; taking care of yourself in the stressful situation.  Think about what that might look like and prepare to implement a plan if needed.  I will always advocate reminding yourself to take a deep breath to help relieve the stress (or several deep breaths). It is something your body does naturally and is much less painful than a vaccine. Sometimes though, we simply do not pay attention to our breathing when we feel stress. There are also positive and negative coping skills.  Prepare ahead of time to use the positive ones.  It is good to remind yourself that becoming anxious is not going to solve anything.

Marlayne Whitlock, M.A.

mwhitlock@ GROWcounseling.com