The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, particularly if you work in the healthcare field. For hospital workers specifically it can feel like an extra burden.
December 7, 2023
The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, particularly if you work in the healthcare field. For hospital workers specifically it can feel like an extra burden. While most of your friends and family are enjoying a two week stretch of holidays, you find yourself dealing with the pressure of physically and mentally showing up for the holiday season knowing that you are in fact working more during this time of the year.
The holiday season may present as a magical time; however, this is not the case for everyone. If you are one of those people who can anticipate that it may be a stressful or difficult time, start to mentally prepare as best as you can. This means first and foremost being compassionate to yourself but also realistic. Try to get one thing done or prepped everyday rather than tackling an exhaustive list. If you are concerned about the social aspect of the holidays, determine your boundaries and set them accordingly. This might very well mean saying no to functions that are anxiety-provoking. If you are working, there is a good chance you will be approached to work additional hours to help with staffing. Anticipate such requests and assess your limitations. If you know that certain topics of discussion around the dinner table have the potential of being emotionally charged make a pact with your family to keep those topics off the table. The bottom line is that you have to protect yourself and take measures for self-care. The holidays usually come fast and furious and it is important to keep some gas in the tank for when the dust settles.
If you find that you are having a hard time this holiday season, please don’t hesitant to reach to the Peer Support Team via email at Peer.Support@sickkids.ca.
Through the endless parties, cooking, shopping and cleaning, try taking one of 9 steps to ensure you have a stress-free holiday:
1. Plan ahead.
Between co-workers, friends and family, it's inevitable that some commitments will end up on the same day. Make sure to plan on what you can attend in person or virtually. If you're hosting the holidays, create a menu to help you stay organized and make grocery shopping easier.
2. Say no.
With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them. It also will help relieve some stress. Try sharing your to-do list with other family members.
3. Plan spending.
The holidays mean spending money. Make a budget and stick to it. Spending money on your loved ones is important, but it's also important to pay your energy bill. Don't buy gifts that you'll be paying off for the rest of the year.
4. Create relaxing surroundings.
Turn on some music, light some candles or open the windows on a sunny day. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness booster.
5. Maintain healthy habits.
The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. A short workout each morning will help your decision-making throughout the day. Encourage your family to try snow shoeing or sledding to get in extra exercise. Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables throughout the season and to fill up before a dinner party or celebration with tempting, but unhealthy, foods.
6. Share feelings.
Spending a holiday after a loss in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. It may make you feel better to share. Try to switch up old traditions to ease the loss.
7. Respect differences.
Family members will have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities, and replace tension with something productive.
8. Be realistic.
You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, and relax, and enjoy the company surrounding you.
9. Take a break.
Don't forget about your own needs. Take a nap, go for a short walk, read a book or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension and stress.
For this article and others from the Mayo clinic:
Stay informed about the latest research in psychology.
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