5 Tips for Coping With and Managing Holiday Stress

5 Ways to Cope With Holiday Stress

While the holiday season is a joyous time for many, it can also be a painful reminder of what’s missing. Whether it’s the loss of a spouse, friend or pregnancy, or the longing for two pink lines on a pregnancy test, the stress of the holiday season can affect mental, emotional and physical health.

Holidays can be especially difficult for couples that are experiencing fertility struggles. The influx of holiday cards, child-centric activities and celebrations can sometimes leave those who are hoping to get pregnant feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed.

 

So what can you do to cope with holiday stress and take care of yourself?

 

Honor your feelings 

Acknowledge that the holidays can be uncomfortable or difficult and know that your feelings are valid. It’s okay to express how you are feeling with honesty and vulnerability. From sadness to joy, despair to happiness, heartache to triumph, an emotional expression can feel like a relief in times of stress.

 

Give yourself permission to not attend

Allow yourself to say ‘no’ to events or celebrations that you don’t have the emotional bandwidth to attend. Is there a family gathering where there will be lots of children or pregnancy excitement? Put yourself first. If you think it’ll be too difficult to handle, don’t force yourself to attend. Your family and close friends will understand why you are saying no.

 

Come up with answers to questions that may be difficult 

Anticipate questions about your plans for having a family. This way, you can come up with an answer you’re comfortable with sharing instead of feeling caught off guard or making things up on the spot. Or worse, feeling forced to share information you weren’t ready to.

 

Give back to others

While it’s easy to focus all of your extra time and attention on holiday stress and fertility struggles, consider helping someone in need. Whether it’s volunteering time or a sympathetic ear, lifting the spirits of others often brings contentment to our own lives.

 

Take care of yourself 

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get into the “go, go, go” mode and put your routine on hold. Maintaining some level of routine will help you feel less overwhelmed. Don’t stop doing the things that help you fell balanced, like working out, getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals. Prioritize yourself by taking the time to recharge.

 

However you practice self-care, Women’s Care is here to support you as a healthcare partner. We are a proud sponsor of WellMama, which provides support services for maternal mental health and wellness. For more information about our commitment to patient wellness, learn more on our website and See the Difference in Care.