Here are some more tips to cope with the holidays as a highly sensitive person. As I mentioned previously, we can celebrate this difficult, but joyous time, on our own terms if we have a plan to do so.
Social Overload
As far as I’m concerned, there are too many social activities this time of the year. What do you think? It can be entirely overstimulating. Remember that it’s okay to choose wisely and say “no” to some things. Don’t spend your time at a party with people whose company you don’t really enjoy. Your true friends and understanding family members won’t hold it against you if you need to take some down time.
Loneliness, Anxiety, Depression
If you’re feeling lonely, seek support and companionship from others. For highly sensitive people, it can be especially intimidating to make the first move, but the benefits almost always outweigh the costs. Loneliness can be a powerful motivator to help us come out of our shells, and you should use it to your advantage. Whether you are the one who is feeling lonely, or know someone who is lonely, try to make an effort to reach out to others. Helping someone or volunteering your time to a cause you believe in will help you feel better about yourself and give you an opportunity to meet others who share your interests.
If you find that you just can’t cope with your anxiety or sadness, get the help you need. The holidays can be a very difficult time. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your feelings, talk to family and friends, or seek out a doctor or mental health professional. As the New Year approaches, it is the perfect time to address issues with anxiety or depression. There is no shortness of help. You just have to be open to receiving it.
Unrealistic Expectations
Norman Rockwell and Martha Stewart have irreversibly colored our visions of what the holiday season “should” be, which only sets us up for disappointment.
Don’t try to have a “perfect” holiday. Just shoot for “good enough.” There will always be circumstances beyond your control. If things don’t turn out the way you had hoped, just accept “what is” and enjoy yourself anyway. By keeping expectations realistic and focusing on what’s really important to you, you may just find that your “good enough” holiday turns out to be “pretty great” after all.
You should also keep in mind that there’s no need to go crazy trying to find the absolute “perfect” gift for everyone on your list. While it’s always nice to get thoughtful gifts for people, you don’t want to take all the fun out of gift giving by over-thinking every purchase. It’s also helps if you can limit your spending to a budget that’s comfortable for you (regardless of what anyone else is spending).
Holiday Traffic and Crowds
I hate traffic and battling for parking spaces at the mall! I try to avoid it if I can at any time of the year. If you absolutely need to, it’s good to just laugh. The traffic, crowds, and interminably long lines are, unfortunately, as much a part of the season as cranberry sauce and candy canes. But instead of frustration or anger, try humor, kindness, and mindfulness. If you’re stuck in traffic, use the time to call an old friend and catch up. Or perhaps you can listen to a funny podcast or a great audiobook. If you’re waiting in line, strike up a conversation with someone else waiting. If the crowds are rattling your nerves, take the opportunity to notice the sights and sounds around you. Take deep breaths and try to relax, accept that this is an inevitable part of the season but only a temporary inconvenience.
These tips can be applied throughout the year. Can you think of any other tips to cope with the holidays? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.
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