Help, It's The Holidays!

This is the season to be jolly but not everyone feels like it this time of the year. In fact the opposite can be true. I deal with a form of SAD.
(Social Anxiety Disorder) -- See, you always knew I had issues right?

For those of us with social anxiety disorder (SAD), the social pressures and obligations can become overwhelming. The holidays may also be an extremely lonely time of year. Even if you don’t have this, the season can still be overwhelming. In order to survive the holidays, there are things that you can do to limit stress.

Get Picky about the Parties
If you receive invitations from people whose company you do not enjoy, it is OK to gracefully bow out. But, make sure that you still get out and participate in some social activities. Avoiding social contact altogether is a recipe for becoming more fearful.

Manage Your Energy and Stress
Maintain good eating habits and exercise regularly. The endorphins released during exercise can have a calming effect on anxiety. Make sure to get enough sleep and avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine. *(Hypocrite alert!  I will probably fail with this suggestion but I listed it because it really can help.)

Engage in Social Reconnaissance
Have some fun with this. Learn who will be there and what they are interested in. You don’t have to be an expert in every topic, but learning a little bit about people’s favorite discussion topics will help you carry on conversations. You might actually enjoy yourself!

Help Others
Christmas is supposed to be about others. If the holidays are a particularly lonely time for you, offer to help out at a local soup kitchen or distribute gifts to needy children. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people and work with them towards a common goal -- a great basis for new friendships. It also gives you something interesting to talk about if your social calendar includes parties or family gatherings.

Ask your Family for Help
Sometimes I have to remind my family about my struggles. Your family may not always know what it is that you need, and they may forget to ask during this busy time of year. Tell them how you are feeling and let them know what they can do to help.

Limit the "Liquid Courage"
I enjoy a good drink or two or…never mind, but the holidays can be a dangerous time of year for those who tend to use alcohol as a coping strategy for dealing with social anxiety. Although one glass of wine or a swig of spiked eggnog might help ease pre-party jitters, overindulging will impair your ability to interact effectively with others. Set yourself up for success by planning ahead how much (or if) you will drink, and what other methods you will use for coping with anxiety.

Take Time for Yourself
This can be a crazy time of the year, and it’s important to put your own mental health first. If family obligations tend to wear you ragged, make a plan for how much time you will spend with relatives and stick to it. Spend some time in prayer and meditation. God doesn't want you stressed out, especially over Christmas. Make sure that the time you do spend with family and good friends counts.