How to Turn Holiday Overwhelm Into Delight

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”  The lights are twinkling, the hot cocoa is poured, and you’re cozied up to a warm fireplace with your loved ones.

For many, this is a season of family, laughter, and celebration. But, it’s also a time of year that can get even the jolliest of us stressed out. And unique to Christmas 2020 is having to navigate the holidays amidst a health crisis…one that we could have never imagined.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed this December, you aren’t alone. Over 60% of adults reported feeling stressed during the holiday season – and that’s without a pandemic happening!

 

What Is Overwhelm?

Overwhelm happens when a person believes that their stressors are more than they can manage. You’re more likely to be overwhelmed by negative emotions, like anxiety, fear, or anger. And because a number of factors can spark these feelings, it becomes quite difficult to understand the exact source of the stress.

When this happens, what should you do? Here are a few tips to get you through the overwhelm so you can enjoy the things worthy of celebrating. 

 

Take Mental Breaks

When you’re in the midst of a tense time, it’s difficult to see anything else beyond the feeling of overwhelm, mounting work pressure, or the mountain of tasks that need to get done. It can often feel like you’re trying to triage your way through your to-do list until you get a chance to catch your breath.

Whenever you feel that survival mode kicking in, pause. 

Take a couple of deep breaths. Nice, long, deeeeeep breaths. Pause for a few seconds to create enough space between you and the situation to reflect and regain valuable perspective.

 

Avoid the “What If?”s

The parties, the dinners, the presents – every part of the holidays feels like an unknown this year. In these times, it’s tempting to dwell on the “What if?”

What if someone gets sick or we’re unable to travel?

What if there’s family drama…again?

What if we don’t have enough money to buy gifts for the kids?

“What if?” statements heap fuel on the fire of worry and tension. The more time you spend worrying about what could happen, the less time you have for what’s actually in front of you. This includes the actions you could take to help you stay calm and keep your stress levels at bay.

Whenever those nagging “What if?”s start to creep in, acknowledge what’s going on. See how you can turn those thoughts around into positive statements:

Let’s have an amazing time together on Christmas Day – and maybe even start a new tradition!

I’m looking forward to family time that’s full of laughter and joy.

We’re creative. We can purchase the perfect gifts without spending a ton of money.

Reframing is key when it comes to addressing those negative thoughts!

 

Make Time To Laugh

In the height of holiday planning, it’s easy to forget to carve out time for fun and laughter. 

Laughter is an amazing form of stress relief and provides a number of short and long-term benefits

In fact, laughter:

  • Increases your intake of oxygen, stimulates your heart, and boosts endorphins.
  • Calms down your stress response, causing a relaxed feeling.
  • Improves your immune system, can function as a natural painkiller and can lessen depression or anxiety.

So, next time you find yourself tensing up, find a funny YouTube video, look up a funny joke, or scroll through some of your favorite knee-slapping photos. Better yet – prepare them in advance so you don’t have to search for them in the moment.

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

While you may not be able to control everything happening around you, you can influence and control what goes on inside your head. 

In a year that’s been quite the challenge, there’s still much to be grateful for. So, no matter what comes your way, commit to focusing on enjoying and cherishing the people around you. Try out one of the above ideas this holiday season, and may each moment be filled with joy.

 

 

Patient Testimonials

Dr Don Sharnowski is a doctor who is above and beyond all other doctors! Probably his most outstanding quality is that he LISTENS to what his patients say. He is willing to explain things to his patients in terms they can understand. Dr Don treats his patients with wisdom, understanding, gentleness, care, encouragement and he is willing to "go the extra mile" to give his patients the proper treatment they need. He does not treat patients like they were on an assembly line or like he is rushing them out the door. Dr Don has fixed many of the problems I had at my first visit, one of which I had endured for 3 years. Dr Don was able to fix that problem in 2 weeks when others had not. Dr Don has also helped me loose 40 lbs so far. My total recovery is still an ongoing process, but should be a cinch with Dr Don's expert help! Thank you, Dr Don! You are an awesome answer to prayers!

Karen G.

Super Awesome Doctor in Overland Park, Kansas!! He really knows his stuff love his Holistic approach. Wish I lived closer so I could see him on the regular, at least we can chat on the regular! Very informative in all aspects of health! Five years ago this man took our health and turned it around 360 degrees. My son got ear infections very often. Both my boys have respiratory issues. My husband asthma and overweight. Myself aches and pains, specifically on my left side and joints. Well needless to say no more ear infections respiratory not nearly as often my husband is 80lbs less and never uses his inhaler . My sons ear infections...What ear infections...They are no longer! Thanks Dr. Don for all you do and have done!!

Lots of Love from The Stevens

Dr Don Sharnowski is truly an amazing Doctor. He listens to his patients and treats in a very complete way. He is very knowledgeable because he never stops learning. He is a great communicator and will help you learn better ways to be healthy if you will actually do what he teaches.

Cassie N.

Don (Dr Sharnowski) is truly one of a kind. He is warm, inviting and incredibly generous with his time, but also really knowledgeable about the body and everything within. You won't find crystal balls here. You'll find a super nice guy in sneakers who also sells farm fresh eggs at the counter. I went in expecting to get adjusted (and was scared, because I'd never seen a chiro before). Instead, what I experienced was someone who actually sat down and listened to my history, connected the dots between several ailments (instead of jumping to prescribe one drug apiece to treat each one), and explained things that no one had ever taken the time to do. I was there about my back specifically, but we talked about my whole health. Instead of just prescribing an anti inflammatory (which is what my other doc did), he explained why we get inflammation in our bodies, and how to help reduce it with what we eat. I've also been on thyroid medication for over 10 years, and he actually explained what the thyroid is, and what the drug I take is, and what it does. But not in a defensive or overly crunchy way. He just openly explained in a way that I could understand it. I highly recommend Don to anyone with a body who wants to feel better. His approach is approachably holistic. Just common sense, whole body-centered treatment.

Megh K.

Scroll to Top