How to avoid a season of stress

It’s the season for giving, getting together with friends and enjoying family.

It sounds wonderful, but for many, the pressure of getting the perfect gift, hosting the perfect party and cooking the perfect meal can be overwhelming.

Olivia Dangas is a registered psychologist. She said the key to relaxing and enjoying the holidays is really about how we perceive them, and adjusting our attitude and expectations.

“I think it’s important to not compare ourselves to all the bloggers and instagram moms out there,” said Dangas. “Those are just kind of unrealistic expectations.”

Dangas said it’s also important to give yourself permission to say no if something is giving you stress and not joy.

“That comparison piece can kind of get us caught up in that a little bit. If the usual family gathering is causing too much stress, or the pressure to get all the new on-trend presents is causing stress, then discuss the possibility of changes with family members and have fun getting creative with other options,” Dangas said.

Family gatherings can also be difficult if there are family members who don’t get along with each other.

Dangas said to help cope with these, the key is in the preparation.

“It’s kind of about making a plan ahead of time. Preparing certain topics to maybe avoid, or planning answers to questions you know that ‘uncle George’ may always bring up that are annoying to you,” said Dangas.

Dangas said it’s important to try to just focus on your needs and the needs of your immediate family.

“We get caught up in the hustle and bustle and the comparison and the expectations, but the reality is we only have right now. So, not dwelling on the past and not worrying about the future can really make our holiday celebrations more of a success.”