Tis the season to be Thankful! This is statistically the two months were sadness,
depression, anxiety, and anger is dwelling in many individuals. Therefore, I wanted to share my personal Holiday Blues Guide to keep in mind as the holiday season comes and goes.
Indulge in the word over being obsessed with social media and looking at people’s pictures of their families, food pics, and office holiday gatherings if you know this makes you angry, is a trigger to depression, or makes you feel lonely…. Yes facebook envy can lead to comparing yourself to others.
(Do your best to present yourself to God as one APPROVED, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15)
Yes, the holidays is the time that most people deal with anxiety, if you go out
shopping or are the one that has to run to the grocery store (a million times) you could
probably even notice other people in the parking lot and in the stores that are dealing
with anxiety and probably on the verge of panic attacks right in front of you…be aware of this friends and be kind. As THE hands and feet of Jesus you have great influence to bring Jesus to someone everywhere you go.
Make sure that you relax before and prepare before you go….I actually have a kit in my purse to prepare me. My “To Do List”, headphones, charger,my bible app and my phone. I list some strategies below that will help you be less anxious and maintain a positive outlook during this holiday season.
Shopping tips to avoid panic attacks and anxiety……
-Literally write down everything that you plan on getting. And be grateful for His provision
-Write down the stores
-Have your phone 100% charged before you go out to the stores.
-Drive slow in the parking lots, don’t feel bothered by walking far if the lots are full it can
help work off some of those holiday eats (keep you music on holiday jazz and/or worship music)
-Visualize the actual isles that you plan on going down to grab the items…if you don’t
know where things are do not feel afraid to ask the sales associate for help that’s what
they are there for and can help you get there quickly…..
-Get in your head that you are going to have to stand in line to check out… plan on doing
something on your phone while in line (for example writing me while you’re in line,
watching youtube, or listening to motivational videos
-Browsing through funny pictures, or have your headphones to listen to calming music
while you stand in line)…this works if you’re going to the airport also!
In all, enjoy life,present your gratitude to your Savior, and relax…. the holidays are just temporary,and the New Year is coming for great new goals and accomplishments to look forward to.
