Deck the halls and jingle those bells: we are entering the holiday season, and that means we need to keep an eye out for cases of the holiday blues.

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays can be an emotional minefield. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by hectic schedules, expensive shopping lists, family stress and complicated travel plans .

The holiday blues are equal opportunity: they can strike anyone, no matter their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or gender. But ContractorHelpers would like to remind contractors that there are ways to manage this holiday-related stress—and there is help out there for those who need it.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, these suggestions can be a great way to start getting that stress under control.

How to Beat the Holiday Blues

• Be aware of your stress level. What causes your stress level to rise? What can you do to manage that stressor?
• How do you deal with stress? Give some thought to a healthful way you can respond to a stressful situation (for instance, going for a walk or taking a few minutes to do a breathing exercise).
• Focus on healthful habits. Drink plenty of water, get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy food, and get enough exercise. All these practices are good for your body and for your stress level.
• Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed by the tasks you need to do. Be aware of the services available to you through work, including work/ life balance programs and counseling.
• If you feel as though you are experiencing something more severe than the holiday blues, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness for support.
• If you are in a crisis or having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)

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