While some people happily prepare for the season, others begin to worry about family gatherings, stress over finances, or overthink every detail about their holiday function until the fun is lost.
Texas wants to know set out to find tips how to manage the stress of the holiday season.
“The sea gel could burn, or someone could fall and break their arm, or the Dallas Cowboys could lose, or something like that,” director of the Center for Violence Prevention at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Dr. Jeff Temple. said. “Things aren’t going to be perfect. And having that flexibility and that adaptability is really important as we go through these holiday pressures.”
And while some of the pressures are self-imposed, like the need to make sure the house looks perfect before guests arrive, others may be beneath the surface.
“We know these are going to bring up some difficult memories, difficult triggers,” said Parkland Health Chief Mental Health Counselor Jeanette Dominguez. “And so finding a way to prepare and that preparation can be, you know, I know this date is coming up and I know this date can bring some sadness, it can bring some anger. And so what can i do to manage it for the day?”
For more tips on how to manage emotions during the holidays, listen to this week’s episode of Texas Wants to Know on the Audacy app or wherever you listen to podcasts.