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5 Tips For Less Stress This Holiday Season

December 9, 2017

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. For some people, the holiday season is filled with joy and happy excitement. For others, this season is a time of stress and a trigger for some not-so-jolly feelings. Whether you experience some normal stress related to the hustle and bustle of the season or some more serious anxiety and depression, we’re hoping these tips will help you experience a bit more peace and a little less stress this holiday season.


1 – Be realistic. We often have these ideal, picture-perfect expectations for the holidays. We want everything to be perfect, but there is no ideal holiday. If you have unrealistic expectations, you’ll spend the entire season feeling disappointed. Instead, be realistic. The cookies might burn; the strand of Christmas lights might not work; the turkey might take too long to thaw; Uncle Billy might start an argument about politics. Life is unpredictable. Accept that everything won’t go as planned, and you can’t control every detail. If you keep your expectations reasonable, you’ll enjoy the holiday season more.


2 – Focus on today, not yesterday. Something about being home surrounded by family can make us suddenly turn into our ten-year-old selves. Old hurts can resurface. We find ourselves arguing over a game of Boggle or whose turn it is to wash the dishes. Take some deep breaths and try to act like your best adult self, then treat siblings and cousins like you would treat adult friends. If you recognize that you’re all likely to revert to childhood patterns and behaviors, you’re more able to proactively plan ways to avoid falling into that trap.


3 – Choose wisely. You’re allowed to say no to things that will add to your stress or hurt your physical or mental health. Think moderation — whether it’s food or drink or holiday spending, choosing moderation will help keep your stress levels down. The same is true for time with people who may not bring out your best self. You can keep interactions with difficult or toxic people to a minimum or avoid them altogether. It’s ok to protect your mental health by saying no.


4 – Ask for help. You don’t have to handle everything on your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with tasks or with decisions or with circumstances, ask for help. None of us can do everything alone. We all have to ask for help sometimes. It’s ok to ask someone to help you.


5 – Find meaning in the season. Sometimes our stress is multiplied when we’re caught up in thinking about ourselves and our own struggles or busy agenda. Taking some time to focus on something bigger than ourselves can lower our stress. So it might help to spend some time thinking about the meaning behind Christmas and making meaningful connections or giving our time or money in ways that seem worthwhile.



We hope these tips are a start in helping you experience less stress this holiday season. How do you avoid or handle stress? Do you have any go-to tips to share with us? If so, post them in the comments below.

Has Nebraska Banned Abortion Completely After the 2024 Election?

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Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

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