Stress at Christmas

We're all feeling the pressure and stress of some sort coming up to Christmas. Getting the house tidy, shopping, gifts for children and family, cooking, dashing about in traffic and jam packed shops, to name a few of the trials we face at this time of the year. Then, there can be other stresses,  money, jobs, relationships, but whatever type of stress you can be under, the advice given in response to an email to the Irish Times by Dr John Sharry a social worker and psychotherapist and co-developer of the Parents Plus Programmes may help you.

Overcoming stress

The first step in overcoming stress is to acknowledge and accept how you are feeling. Be self-compassionate and cut yourself some slack. Take a step back and to acknowledge all you have been through in the year. Taking time to express how you are feeling to someone can help (it is great that you have reached out and written this email as a start)...........
Make a plan to tackle the stresses
Make a plan by yourself or with your wife to tackle the stresses that you are dealing with.
Focus on the small and important things at Christmas

Let go of some of big expectations this Christmas, and instead focus on some important things that might make it go well for you and the family.

The article can be read at http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/tis-the-season-to-be-jolly-but-all-i-feel-is-stress-1.2898281