tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38761732357976862422012-02-16T05:48:04.698-05:00<b>Elizabeth Robbins, Ph.D. </b><hr> <i><big>Looking at Psychology in Practice and in the Media</big></i>Elizabeth Robbins, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03223046039147661684noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3876173235797686242.post-5310387896464641312010-12-19T12:27:00.000-05:002010-12-19T12:27:10.306-05:00During November and December, I see many people dealing with Holiday stress. &nbsp;There are many different worries that people have about the holidays but most of them are related to family, time, and money.<br /><br />My patients are often conflicted about spending time with with their families. &nbsp;Sometimes it has to do with conflicts among family members. &nbsp;People worry about arguments ruining the day. &nbsp;Other people are estranged from family members and this is a very difficult time for them. &nbsp;For whatever reason, people often feel like something is wrong with them if they don't have the stereotypical big family gathering.<br /><br />Another difficult issue is time. &nbsp;With marriages and divorces and remarriages, some families are trying to visit four sets of grandparents during a very short time period. &nbsp;There is a lot of pressure to see everyone and hurt feelings often cannot be avoided.<br /><br />The third main stressor is money. &nbsp;Whether money is lacking for presents, taking time off, or travel, people are often worried about disappointing their loved ones on Christmas.<br /><br />My advice to people during the holidays is to relax. &nbsp;I know it sounds easy, but the key to relaxing is prioritizing really what they want to do. &nbsp;I ask patients to prioritize what they want to accomplish this holiday season and to set their time and money in a way to accomplish it. &nbsp;I help them figure out if their wants are reasonable and realistic - and if not - to readjust their expectations. &nbsp;I also help them recognize what they feel obligated to do and whether or not they want to meet those obligations or change the expectations that others have for them. &nbsp;I help them find ways of setting limits and saying "no" to requests that they cannot or do not want to fulfill.<br /><br />Not all situations can be fixed for the holidays. &nbsp;It is important for everyone to recognize that they do not have to have a picture-perfect holiday for it to be successful. &nbsp;Spending time with loved ones is more important than what gifts are exchanged.<br /><br />Enjoy the holiday season and take time to reflect on what it means to you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3876173235797686242-531038789646464131?l=psychologymatters11.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Elizabeth Robbins, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03223046039147661684noreply@blogger.com0