Rose Gathoni

HOW TO MANAGE CHRISTMAS STRESS The holidays should be free of demands and responsibilities, which is the opposite. Most people suffer from stress during the holiday due to the emotional, mental and physical torture brought about by the festive season. Below are some tips to help you better manage holiday stress; Have boundaries Most people normally allow friends and family to outline what activities they will participate in during the holidays because they lack boundaries. Boundaries help to put your mental health forward before agreeing to anything. Before committing to anything, please think of how it will affect you. Avoid conflicts Even happy families have a tinge of craziness. Therefore, before you pack your bags to go home, think about any potential conflicts that may arise and how well you think you can manage the situation. In case a conflict arises, pay attention to your emotions and how the environment is affecting your mental stability so that you reduce stress. Know your roles and stick to them It is common to take on roles that no one has asked us to carry during the holidays. You may find yourself cleaning, cooking, taking care of the kids, and ensuring everyone is comfortable. If you have this habit, try to relax and only participate in chores you are asked to because being goody two shoes will increase your stress levels.