Don’t be too fussy during the holidays: A guide to emotional regulation to help you face the “sweet burden” of the holidays with a smile

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but sometimes they can be a headache. Don’t worry, this guide will help you deal with holiday mood problems easily!

1. Children: The emotional roller coaster of little ancestors

Question: Children’s emotions are like a roller coaster. One moment they are extremely happy, and the next moment they cry their eyes out.

Preparation method:

Keep a steady routine:

Don’t let the holidays disrupt their biological clocks. They should sleep when they should and eat when they should, otherwise these little ancestors will turn into “little devils” in a matter of minutes.

Moderate discharge:

Don't let them have too much fun. Arrange some quiet activities for them, such as drawing and puzzles, to calm them down.

Focus on emotions:

Spend more time with them and don’t let them feel left out, otherwise they will use “crying scenes” to make their presence felt.

Advance notice:

If there are any changes in holiday arrangements, tell them in advance so they aren't caught off guard, or they might give you an "emotional outburst."

2. Teenagers: Prevent sparks from flying when festivals come into play during adolescence

Teenagers' emotions are like a powder keg, which can explode at any time. During the holidays, academic pressure, family conflicts, and social anxiety can make them emo in any minute.

Preparation method:

Respect for Independence:

Give them some space and don't always try to control them, otherwise they will play a "cold war" with you.

Listening and communication:

Listen to their ideas more and don't act like "I'm doing this for your own good" right away, otherwise they will try to "block your ears".

Encourage social interaction:

Support them to go out and play with friends, and don’t keep them at home all the time, otherwise they will feel like “lonely people”.

Psychological focus:

If you find that they have serious emotional problems, don't hesitate, seek professional help immediately, otherwise be careful that they may give you a "pubertal outburst."

3. Adults: Holidays are stressful, so face life with a smile

Adult festivals are stressful. Work, family, finances, everything is so stressful that you want to disappear at any moment.

Preparation method:

Reasonable planning:

Make holiday arrangements in advance and don’t let yourself spin like a top, otherwise the holiday may turn into a disaster.

Learn to relax:

Exercise, listen to music, watch movies, whatever helps you relax. Don’t stress yourself too much, or you’ll have an emotional breakdown.

Stay Social:

Spend more time with friends and don’t lock yourself at home as a stay-at-home. Otherwise, you may end up feeling lonely and cold during the holidays.

Work and rest rules:

Although it's vacation, you can't let yourself go too much, otherwise you will feel more tired at work.

Adjust expectations:

Don’t have too high expectations for the holidays, accept imperfections, or be careful of “the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.”

4. Elderly people: holiday memories, laughter and tears

The festivals for the elderly always carry a taste of memories. Children are not around, and health is not as good as before, which makes people sad every minute.

Preparation method:

More company:

Go home more often to visit them and chat with them, and don’t let them feel like “empty nesters”.

Good memories:

Look through old photos with them and talk about stories from the past. Don't let them get lost in the memories.

Moderate activity:

Encourage them to go out and not stay at home all the time, otherwise they may feel like "lonely elderly people".

Pay attention to health:

Pay attention to their physical condition and don’t let them hold on. They should not stop taking medication for chronic diseases, otherwise the holiday may turn into a “sick day”.

Tips General suggestions:

Healthy Diet:

Don’t overeat, or the holiday may turn into a “fat holiday”.

Moderate exercise:

Get moving and don’t let yourself become a couch potato, otherwise the holiday season may turn into a lazy holiday.

Seeking Help:

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but sometimes they can also make people feel stressed, anxious, or even depressed. The causes and treatment methods for emotional problems vary for people of different ages.

If your emotional problems are serious, don't try to hold on. Seek professional help immediately, otherwise the holiday may turn into a "depressing holiday."

Remember, the most important thing about festivals is to have fun! Face the festival with a smile and spend the festival in a relaxed manner!