(December 19, 2022) The holidays are a time for cheerful traditions but also anxiety and higher-than-usual stress, as many of us juggle more amidst a range of external stressors outside our control.
According to the American Psychological Association and a recent report on Stress in America 2022, around a third of adults reported that stress is completely overwhelming most days. While everyone reacts differently, the APA offers some simple steps to help build resilience:
- Disrupt negative thinking. Take a breath when you find yourself spiraling into negative thoughts or worst-case scenarios. Instead, try to imagine the best possible scenarios, and figure out a role for you in making those happen.
- Do something unexpected. You can train yourself to be more comfortable with uncertainty. Stretching ourselves to try something new or go somewhere unfamiliar or go without a schedule can help us become more comfortable with the unknown and our ability to handle it.
- Take control where you can. Research shows taking action over aspects of life that are within one’s personal control can feel empowering and help mitigate stress over things that are out of one’s control. For example, voting, volunteering, and community involvement can help people feel more connected and in control over their own futures.
When it comes to holiday planning and preparation, take these simple steps to get the most out of the season and manage the holiday blues. For full details, refer to Holiday Resources and Managing Holiday Stress.
- Don’t be perfect, be you.
- Set realistic expectations and keep it simple.
- Pace yourself, get organized and break preparations into small steps.
- Take time out for yourself.
- Stay in touch with family and friends.
- Find support in others and share how you feel.
Remember these resources to help you handle stress before it becomes too much:
- Guidance Resources, the company’s employee assistance program, provides confidential, no cost, 24/7 support for personal challenges, positive change and overall well-being. Visit GuidanceResources.com and use web ID Freeport-McMoRan, or call 1-833-962-0716.
- For those enrolled in the company’s medical plan, UnitedHealthcare, look for in-network providers on myuhc.com or download the MyUHC app to access virtual appointments. 1-800-771-5348.
- If you or a loved one are in crisis, call or text 988 to connect to the 24/7 toll-free National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline. All calls are confidential. Learn more about available help and suicide prevention at 988lifeline.org.