As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, festive decorations, and the promise of joy. However, for many, this time of year can also bring a sense of overwhelming stress and anxiety.

Last year, at the beginning of December, Pauline came to me wanting to lose weight and feel her best at her upcoming family and friends holiday party. After her first visit we realized that there was more going on. She was completely overwhelmed with her job, her young daughters, a busy husband and the accumulating pile of social obligations for the holiday season. The first thing we did was come up with affirmations. Her first affirmation: I am my priority. Since then, many clients have used this affirmation in conjunction with learning to cope with chronic overwhelm. We also came up with effective strategies to help her manage her overwhelm in the moment

Pauline realized that once she looked at exactly what her priorities were, she was able to let go of the unimportant things in order to have time for the what mattered. She got help with the girls after school, she no longer left work to take them home. The au pair got them started with their homework, started dinner and started laundry. When Pauline got home, she was able to leave work at work and focus on being with her family. She was finally able to let go of some of the weight because she was no longer so stressed and eating for comfort.

As with everything in hypnotherapy, intention is key in making changes. Just by understanding overwhelm, coming up with strategies to deal with it and utilizing hypnotherapy, holiday calm is possible. I’ve also included some tips for successfully surviving holiday eating challenges (with thanks to Dr. Gail Jackson).

Understanding Holiday Overwhelm

Holiday overwhelm is more than just a fleeting feeling of stress. It's a complex interplay of emotional, social, and personal factors that can dampen the joyous spirit of the season. From the pressure of social obligations to the hustle and bustle of shopping, the sources of overwhelm are diverse and can impact individuals differently.

What Causes Overwhelm?

Social Expectations: The desire to meet societal expectations and create the perfect holiday experience can lead to overwhelming stress.
Time Constraints: Balancing work, family, and social commitments during a condensed holiday season can contribute to a feeling of being stretched too thin.
Financial Pressures: Gift-giving, travel, and hosting expenses can strain budgets, adding an extra layer of stress.
Emotional Triggers: Past holiday experiences or family dynamics can evoke strong emotions, contributing to overwhelm.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in decorations, meals, and events can create unattainable standards, and consequently, stress.

When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

You might experience holiday season overwhelm in a chronic form that seems to go on for days on end. You might also feel overwhelmed in the moment or in specific situations. Here are some practical strategies you can use your self during the holiday season to cope with overwhelm in the moment.

Take time out to breathe and refocus
Get a change of scenery
Go for a short walk
Change your self-talk to positive statements and expectations
Take care of yourself first
Let go of things that don’t matter
Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or colleague to gain support
Avoid alcohol, drugs and junk food which are known contributors to depression

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy provides a unique and effective approach to managing holiday season overwhelm. By tapping into the power of the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can address the root causes of stress, reframe negative thought patterns, and promote a sense of calm and balance.

Stress Reduction: Hypnotherapy techniques such as progressive relaxation and guided imagery can induce a deep state of relaxation, helping individuals manage stress more effectively.
Cognitive Restructuring: Hypnotherapy can challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, promoting a more positive and realistic mindset.
Time Management: Hypnotherapy can assist in improving time management skills, enabling individuals to prioritize tasks and create a more balanced holiday schedule.

The Role of Gratitude

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful antidote to overwhelm. Amidst the chaos, taking time to reflect on the positive aspects of the season can shift the focus from stressors to the blessings that surround us. Hypnotherapy sessions can incorporate gratitude exercises, fostering a mindset of appreciation and reducing the impact of stressors.

Fostering a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset during the holidays involves:

Realistic Expectations: Accepting that perfection is unattainable and embracing the imperfect beauty of the season.
Mindful Presence: Being present in the moment, savoring the joy of shared experiences, and letting go of worries about the past or future.
Self-Compassion: Treating oneself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that it's okay not to do everything perfectly.
Healthy Boundaries: Setting boundaries to protect personal time and well-being, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable holiday season.

Holiday Party Eating Tips

Eat small meals throughout the day and before attending a holiday gathering
Drink 1 glass of water for every alcoholic drink
ALWAYS leave something on your plate…..The clean plate club is no more!
Use the smallest plate available for your nibbles

Conclusion

This holiday season, consider giving yourself the gift of calm. Through hypnotherapy, you can transform the way you experience the holidays, managing overwhelm, and fostering a positive mindset. Embrace the joy of the season, cultivate gratitude, and let the gift of calm be your guide to a more meaningful and fulfilling holiday celebration.

If you or someone you know is feeling the weight of holiday season overwhelm, consider hypnotherapy and the transformative power of your subconscious mind to help you through the holidays and beyond.

I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or call me at 818-929-4944

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Modern brain research has led to the creation of a new field known as neuropsychology and therapists known as neurodivergent therapists. For a neurodivergent therapist’s enlightening perspective on coping with holiday season overwhelm, please see the following:

https://www.verywellmind.com/as-a-neurodivergent-therapist-cope-holidays-8406224

For up to date statistics on the prevalence and distribution of holiday season stress in America please see the following:

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress