How to lower your holiday stress level

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It can be easy to get overwhelmed during the holidays, which can make it harder to enjoy for some people.

Almost everyone experiences their own type of hardship this time of year, whether it be holiday shopping stress, pressures from being around family, or on the flip side, feeling like you have no one to spend time with.

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Monica Vermani says especially now, having compassion for ourselves and others is the first step to a less stressful holiday season.

"It's important for us to reinvent holidays regardless of what holidays they are," Vermani said. "It's nice for us to not compare ourselves to others and just take a pause and reflect on the expectations we place on being who we used to be or trying to be who we wish we would be. And just hear and now, 'Who am I? How can I make this better?' Reinvent yourself; bringing joy, bringing gratitude. Take the pressure away for trying to fit in or be different than who you are."

Dr. Vermani says although this is a time to cherish the holidays with loved ones, it's okay to establish boundaries and take a break.

"The only person who feels like, you know, making you feel bad for what you do, is a person who didn't get what they want from you. Everybody else objectively would look at you if you set a good boundary to say, 'Good for you, you set a good boundary. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself,' The only person who makes you feel a little bit uneasy is the one that you said no to or set a boundary with, and that's okay. That's their lesson to learn; how to accept people as they are and accept situations as they are," she said.

Vermani also says not establishing boundaries, when necessary, can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression and dissatisfaction with your own self.

You are encouraged to find peace in whatever way that means for you, as long as you are being respectful, and again remaining compassionate.