Fast tips to get through holiday anxiety:
1. No future-tripping or past-tripping! (Reel yourself back into the present) Ask yourself: “What is happening right NOW? Is there something I need to do right now?”
2. Rename what is happening. If you are feeling panicked remind yourself that this is harmless and is just your body’s way of dealing with stress.
3. Rethink your fears. This can help train your brain to come up with more rational alternatives to deal with your anxious thoughts (ex. Even if my fear becomes reality, then what? I always seem to figure things out. I can trust myself.)
4. BREATHE in and out. Deep breathing helps you to calm down.
5. 3-3-3 rule. Name 3 things you see, 3 things you hear and move 3 parts of your body (ex. ankle, neck, leg)
6. Exercise. Stand up, run in place, jump up and down, take a walk, stand on your toes, do calf raises, any sort of movement can interrupt your train of thought and will help you to regain a sense of control.
7. Stand with your shoulders back. When we are anxious we protect our upper body by hunching over. Pull your shoulders back, stand or sit with your feet apart, and open your chest. This will help the body to sense that it is back in control.
8. Drink water. Eating too much sugar can worsen your anxious feelings. Instead, drink a large glass of water or eat some protein.
9. Call a friend. Call someone you trust and run through your worries with them. You might find they are common concerns and saying them aloud to someone can help you see them with more clarity.
10. Distract with something funny. Laughing is a good prescription for an anxious mind. Cue up a funny video or tv series that makes you laugh.
11. Write it down. Write down your worries so that you can see them from a different perspective. Cross out the ones that are out of your control and the ones that are in your control write down what you can do about them right now.
The holidays can definitely bring on extra stress and anxiety. Try using these tips to return to your most authentic self, so you can actually enjoy this wonderful time of year!