Seasonal Tips

Tips to Help Manage Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time, when people are suddenly forced to deal with pressures like changes to their routines, traveling or playing host, relationship issues, financial concerns, the risk of overindulging, or loneliness. The Crisis Centre has come up with some tips to help adults and teens manage holiday stress.

For Adults:

1. Make a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to overspend during the holidays, so if you make a list and check it twice (like Santa) you’ll have better control of your expenses. Consider home-baked goods as gifts – they can be more personal and cheaper than store-bought items or gift cards.
2. Take time out for yourself and your immediate loved ones. It’s important to take private time to relax as you’re juggling the demands on your time from lots of people who want you to be in lots of different places.
3. Set realistic expectations for the behaviour of others you may be spending time with. Ask yourself: “How realistic is it for ___ to have improved their behaviour during the other 364 days of the year?” If this person (whether they’re a friend or a amily member) is a particular way most of the year, you should expect that she or he will be the same when you spend time with them over the holidays. Plan accordingly.
4. Be gentle with yourself if this is the first holiday season since one of your loved ones has died. Find support in other family members or friends who know the loss you have experienced and who can be there for you. If you are a person of faith, take comfort in your religion. It takes time to fill the emotional and physical emptiness caused by the death of a loved one; over time you will establish new ways of being with others you also care for.
5. Try not to overindulge. Too much food can make you feel sick or increase weight. Too much alcohol can make you sick, cause accidents or get you into trouble, or leave embarrassing memories of your behaviour that your friends will remind you about for years to come. Drugs can create the same problems as alcohol. Remember to get enough sleep and exercise. These will help you stay healthy and reduce stress.

For Teens:

1. Have an open mind and heart and treat yourself to the out-of-the-ordinary experiences of the season. Most of us feel more alive when we challenge ourselves to be a part of something unique. Spend more time with your family, relatives and neighbours than you normally would.
2. Create a holiday wish list for yourself. Make a list of activities you want to make happen, people you want to spend time with and special things you want to do on your own. Work out a schedule with your parents to fit in what’s important for you and for them.
3. Indulge in the pleasure of giving to others at least once a day. Helping other people can help you feel good. Help your relatives or a neighbour, volunteer with a charity like a foodbank, or organize a food drive.
4. Don’t take it personally if other people are less patient, less attentive or less flexible. Remember that it’s normal for people to be stressed during the holidays. Remind yourself that these behaviour changes are temporary and seasonal. Take a few slow, deep breaths, relax your body, try to keep a light heart and refuse to let anyone or anything ruin your holiday.
5. Take care of your health. Try not to overindulge. Exercise for 30 minutes a day (including 15 minutes of good cardio), get eight hours of sleep every night, make sure to eat healthy food and make sure to laugh a lot, out loud.

Remember to take care of yourself and those around you. If you are in crisis or if you are concerned about someone else, call the Crisis Centre.

-24/7 Distress Line: 604-872-3311
In Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton & the Sunshine Coast, call toll free at: 1-866-661-3311
-for help anywhere in BC, call: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
-youth aged 12-29 can get live, confidential, one-on-one, online support at YouthInBC.com

Tips for Students and Parents to Deal with Back-to-School Stress

The first few weeks of school can be a stressful time for families.

Students, especially post-secondary students, are generally concerned about getting into the courses they require to graduate or further their career goals, as well as the costs of tuition and books. We also know high school students may be worried about increased workloads, loneliness, social or relationship pressures and adjusting to a new school. University students may also be concerned about loneliness and relationship/social issues, as well as their new independence.

And parents are generally concerned about the financial burden of schooling, such as the costs of supplies, books and clothing. Single mothers tend to be the most concerned about these issues, especially those who are on some type of income assistance or who are having difficulty getting child support from the fathers of their children.

To help deal with these stresses, here are five tips for students and for parents:

For high school and university students:

1. Manage your time. Try to create a realistic schedule for your classes, homework, tests and projects, as well as your social life and recreational activities, healthy eating and sleep.
2. Use your class time wisely. Be on time, participate and take notes in class, ask for help when needed and review your notes at least once a week.
3. Set yourself up to succeed. Set achievable goals, choose supportive friends and let parents and teachers know what you need from them.
4. Take care of your emotional health. Be patient with yourself and others, pay attention to potentially stressful changes in your life, avoid using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress, make time to relax and do nothing every day, and remember to laugh.
5. Take care of your physical health. Try to eat healthy, exercise 15-30 minutes at least 3 times per week, get 8 hours of sleep every night.

For parents:

1. Get things out of the way. If your finances permit, get into the stores as soon as possible to buy your children’s school supplies and clothes and avoid the rush.
2. Plan ahead for the after-school child care you might need. Contact your local child care resource to see what is available in your area.
3. Prepare ahead of time. Make lunches, put out school clothes and decide on breakfast the night before a school day – this may reduce your rushing around first thing in the morning.
4. Try to understand your children. Some children (regardless of age) may look forward to going back to school while others may dread it. If your children are apprehensive about going back to school, listen to their concerns and fears – there may be more going on for your child than the normal first-day-back jitters.
5. Make time for your family. Schedule fun time with your children and parenting partner during the first couple of weeks so you aren’t totally concerned with the back to school rush.

And for students or parents who may still feel overwhelmed, remember that help is available. Contact the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC at 604-872-3311. Students in distress can call the Distress Line, or get one-on-one, live, confidential help at www.YouthInBC.com People anywhere in BC who are at risk of suicide can call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).