Emotional Aspects of the Holidays

For most, the holidays are filled laughter and Christmas spirit with family and friends, but for some depression and anxiety are its only gifts. Surviving another Christmas each year is a long mental battle as the emotional aspects of the holidays come into play.

You swear under your breath as you avoid the idiot who just cut you off at the last traffic light. Now your mind is racing as you angrily blow the horn, and worry about another up and coming event which you've been dreading the last two weeks. What's happened to the old Christmas spirit you use to have? Now you feel like crawling under the rug until the New Year is celebrated along with the fireworks.

Overcoming the emotional aspects of the holidays is very difficult for some. An over abundance of activities and emotional expectations are sometimes just too much to cope with. The ability to deal with everything simply overcomes the mind until it's ready to explode. Releasing this stress and mental anguish is sometimes almost impossible.

Listed below are some options to consider if you have trouble dealing with the holidays, and it many activities. Additional information is also provided at: www.holistichealthtools/emotions.html which can effectively help you to deal with stressful and emotional situations.

Dealing with holiday stress

No other time of the year is your "felling of self" so exposed than Christmas and Thanksgiving. Past experiences, and new expectations seem to cloud the mind in its decision making abilities. So, you wear a happy face and deal with everything in stride, hoping that no one will notice your emotional status.

Most of the time when stressful situations presents themselves, you try to endlessly problem solve the situation, or just block it out. The latter being the worst of the two choices. Sometimes to dull unwanted stress a variety of activities can work very well in dulling the senses. But, some of these "activities" are very costly, both mentally and physically.

What better way to deal with stress than to shop until your heart's content. This time of year is the shoppers delight. Obtaining that perfect deal is wonderful for feeding the ego. Now that your sense of self feels better, you're ready to move onto greener pastures.

Some feel inadequate as a parent, and try to replace their inadequacies with "extra" monetary gifts. So going with the old adage: "It's better to give than to receive," our feeling of self is again soothed as we watch the smile on our child's face as they unwrap the gifts. This good feeling stays for awhile, but it always seems to fade as the mind and the ego take over again.

Overeating is another choice to sooth the savage beast of destructive emotions. And boy are the holidays an excellent time to overeat. Always try to keep your digestive system in mind when putting down that second or third piece of pie. Keep in mind the limitations of your body also, as well as the mind.

Other ways of dealing with holiday stress is to "blindly go where no man has gone before:" into oblivion. Alcohol sales are through the roof in the holiday season. It seems now that almost everyone is dulling their senses to adapt to the season. Although, to be able to deal with some people, everyone could use a shot or two; especially when family is involved.

Moderation is the key for holiday survival

Usually with a little time off work, and some money in your pocket, what's wrong with going a little bit overboard? Keeping your inner most feelings focused and in check is the key to moderation. With an unbalanced emotional outlook, your pocketbook and also your relationships with others will drastically suffer.

The Christmas holidays are a very festive time of year with: things to do, places to go, and people to see. And yet everything is supposed to run as smooth as silk. Try to understand that you can't control everyone's future. Practice just living in the moment, and enjoy the opportunities that arrive. You might be surprised how things turn out: without your help.

The mind is also a muscle that works overtime on the holidays. Thoughts of wondering what: will happen, might happen, or may happen, dominate the mind. As family members get together sometimes the outcome can be less than expected. Try not to confuse the situation before it happens. Sometimes a perceived "bad" situation can in fact work out to be a blessing in disguise.

Emotional and financial insecurities

Sometime our sense of obligation exceeds our limitations. So, you overextend yourself, both financially and emotionally. Understanding your imitations is the first step to keeping everything in moderation. No one expects miracles out of you, or for you to be able to pull the proverbial rabbit out of a hat. Accept your limitations, and adapt to them if at all possible.

With young children in the home finances can sometimes be a very depressing situation. In bad economic times, extra expenses can truly bankrupt the family. Instead of buying family members expensive presents, try your hand at making homemade gifts. Several occasions I've given away original oil paintings as gifts when the money wasn't available. Everyone has a talent of some kind, whether they realize it or not.

You might be surprised to find out that some of your family is just happy to see you. Try not to think about the negative side of what other people "might" think about you. This is just your ego talking to you in a very negative manner.

Mental awareness

Understand that your perception of reality is not everyone's. When worries or destructive thoughts enter your mind immediately ask yourself what can be done about these thoughts "at the moment." If the answer is nothing, then disregard the thought and move on. Try to work on replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. Soon the mind will adjust, and begin to work in a positive and productive manner.

Learn to recognize "useless thought patterns." These are the thoughts which dominate the mind. Use the mind as it's meant to be used; not habitual thought patterns. As your mental awareness begins to grow, the acceptance of your fears is understood.

Each year is a new beginning with brand new opportunities. Don't be led into the emotional trap with the mind and the ego. Use your mind as a creative tool to share the holidays with your family and friends. As you work to clear the mind of its emotional baggage, the holidays are now something to be anticipated, not dreaded.

Source of information: www.holistichealthtools/emotions.html