Holidays don’t have to be so stressful

The holidays are supposed to be pleasurable and enjoyable; a time when people gather to celebrate a special day, occasion, or season.

However, the holidays can be stressful for many different reasons.

Some people with stress and anxiety have a difficult time with the many activities going on. Some people feel stress stemming from financial difficulties; some have sleep deprivation, and some suffer from too-high expectations of the holiday season.

This can be especially true for our military members and their families.

Whatever the reason, often those with stress and anxiety feel symptoms increase and become out of control during the holiday season.

When stress and anxiety increases during this time of year, people sometimes ignore discussing it with a professional or seeking help from a friend.

They may feel it is normal to feel anxious and, therefore, feel they must somehow live through it.

Others may feel there just really isn’t any help available.

One way to manage your holiday stress and anxiety is to identify your stressor(s).

As you do this, remember that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Start the season

by defining, realistically, what will make it enjoyable for you and your family.

I remember the holidays from when I was 10 years old in the Republic of Korea. My grandmother raised me for more than 10 years.

Of course she took care of me, but I missed my parents, brothers and sister who had immigrated to the United States.

I felt alone, stressed and anxious. My grandmother and uncle’s family helped me.

Fortunately, my grandmother brought me to church throughout the year and more frequently during the holiday season.

So I learned that the spiritual fellowship with other families is important. The pastor preached about Jesus’ disciples experiencing their distressing moments.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Even for us today, it might be most difficult as the world can oppose us every step of the way, but even in the midst of some of these most difficult challenges, we can feel this peace as we remain true to our beliefs.

Even at a young age, I felt that peace Jesus talks about – no more sadness, stress or anxiety.

As a Christian, for me peace is the Holy Spirit in my life who comes as friend, comforter, counselor, teacher and healer.

Peace is knowing that no matter what troubles may come our way, God, my heavenly Father, has promised to never forget me and to always be my helper and strength.

He sent his son to go all the way and die for us in order to reclaim us as his own.

He won’t give up on us now; we are his special and most beloved children.

I see peace as the flow of God’s grace into the rest of our lives as we live and work with the people in our day-to-day relationships and activities.

This peace has a positive effect on our health and well-being.

In conclusion, as much as possible we need to stay stress-free as the holidays are approaching.

As we plan our time, goals and future, we need this peace in our hearts to alleviate stresses, anxieties and worries.

Finding that peace often means seeking it from a source within or an external source much larger than ourselves that breathes purpose into our lives.