The holidays are here, often bringing loads of stress that can make vomit phobias more acute and stress levels soar. The operative word here is “can,” as the holidays don’t have to transform your life into a anxiety-ridden mess. Four simple tips can help make your holidays a truly happy season, with one of them as simple as continuing to do what you’re doing to keep your emetophobia at bay. Here we go:
Stay on track with your regular exercise, meditation, eating plan and all else you do that’s good for you. Hopping about during the holidays can push your regular routine to a back burner. The regular routine you’ve come to know and expect keeps you going all year round, so you can bet you especially need it during the holidays. Take personal time off work if you can and must, but don’t keep skipping your morning workout.
Carve out time to take care of yourself. Your regular routine may not be enough to keep you cool, calm and easily able to deal with your emetophobia during the stressful season. Employ additional tactics as necessary. The holidays may be a perfect time to schedule that massage, pedicure, or even a daily nap or bubble bath if the self-care can help keep you serene. Again, don’t be afraid to take personal time off work to make it happen.
Don’t fall prey to Normal Rockwell syndrome. Normal Rockwell was big on painting holiday scenes that depicted the perfect family and cozy get-togethers that don’t always resemble reality. The slate of holidays ads and media hype does the same. Don’t freak out if your own holiday lineup looks nothing like the jive presented online, on canvas or in glossy magazines. Instead of taking a cue from Norman Rockwell, try focusing on the words of another well-known artist, Salvador Dali:
“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.”
Ask for help if you need it. Unless you received superpowers for the holidays, doing everything yourself can leave you riddled with stress as well as resentments and anxiety that send your vomit fears sky high. Bring everything back down to earth by asking for help. Whether it means hiring on a cleaning person, a babysitter or asking party guests do bring their own potluck side dishes, do it!
You may be surprised at how many people want to help others have a happy holiday season. And everyone benefits when the focus stays on what makes the holidays grand in the first place: spending time with people you love and enjoying each other’s company.
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