11 Tips To Manage Stress Between Grand Final And Australia Day In Melbourne

Every year in Melbourne September marks the beginning of the Party Season.  The footy finals are on, and by the last Saturday in September the social season is officially kicked off when the first whistle blows for the  AFL Grand Final and  barbecues are fired up across the city  (Go Doggies!!). Then the Spring Carnival rolls into town with weeks of major racing events leading up to the race that stops the nation The Melbourne Cup; by this Point the Christmas Parties are beginning, followed of course by New Year’s celebrations, than a month of annual leave days and  trips to the beach culminating in the celebration of Australia Day and the beginning of the new school year.  There are many other celebrations throughout the year, but this 4 month period is particularly frantic.
Some people will revel in every moment and participate in every event possible with gusto,  others will find it overwhelming and exhausting, and for others still it can highlight isolation and loneliness.

Here are 11 tips to help you get through

1.  Accept that these 4 months in Melbourne can be pretty full-on and develop a strategy as if it’s a project that you’re managing.  Decide what you want the outcome to be and work backwards from there.  For example :

• If you want to avoid overspending, plan how much money you would realistically like to have in your bank account by the end of the 4 months.  Then work backwards from there and decide how you need to budget, be creative with gifts, outfits etc. in order to achieve that.
• If you want to avoid gaining weight work out how you can manage and balance your calorie intake e.g.  eating something healthy before  going out so that you don’t overdo it on party food  and factor in exercise in order to achieve that.  If you’re having a barbecue consider healthy options, more green salads and lean meats less sausages, bread and potato.
• If you’d like to meet more people, set a goal of e.g. two new friends/social acquaintances by ‘x’ date.  Think about what can you attend, actively look for opportunities e.g.  to invite people for a coffee or to lunch at work or to participate in a team event  or fundraiser

2.  Remember it’s ok to be you. You don’t have to live up to what other people are doing or their expectations. 
3.  Learn to say no.  You don’t have to accept every invitation that comes your way, be selective and choose the things that you enjoy while politely declining the rest.  Don’t be a slave to FOMO (Fear of missing out).
4.  Learn to say yes.  If you’re feeling lonely it’s time to recognise that if you want things to be different a different approach is required.  It may be time to move outside of your comfort zone and try new things.  If invitations are few there are “meet-up” groups for most events and interests; there are volunteering opportunities, classes, free lectures etc. that can lead to friendships and connections and ultimately invitations in the future.  If you find it difficult to take these steps, therapy can help in developing your confidence and self-esteem.  It’s ok to ask for help with this, it’s about learning new personal skills.  Just as an athlete will go to a coach to develop their skills, so a therapist will help you develop your personal skills, identify limiting beliefs and boost self-confidence.
5.  Be aware that it’s normal to feel a little uncomfortable in new social situations at first, when you feel that way it’s easy to believe that everyone around you is brimming with popularity and confidence, but the truth is that a large percentage are feeling a little unsure of themselves too.  It’s uncomfortable but the discomfort is harmless. 
6.  Make time for self-care.  A daily practice of mindfulness of just 10 minutes can make all the difference in the world when it comes to reducing your stress levels and regulating your emotions.  Stress can accumulate in busy times, so it’s important to have a way of releasing the stress before it builds up and becomes more difficult to manage.
7.  Don’t overstretch your finances to buy gifts.  People generally remember and appreciate smaller thoughtful gifts more than pricey ‘things’.   Financial pressure for the sake of a momentary gift exchange is not worth it.
8.  Don’t kid yourself about alcohol.  It contains empty calories and they do count, think moderation.   Remember to stay hydrated whether you’re drinking alcohol or not.  Dehydration can impact the metabolism by up to 30%.
9.  Pace yourself.  Keep an overview of you schedule and allow for some down time to recharge your batteries, and reconnect with yourself.
10.  Appreciate the good things; take the time to be grateful every day for at least three things.  This trains your brain to look for the positives in every situation and will set you up to get the most out of life by being more likely to notice opportunities when they come up (the best opportunities can often be very subtle).
11.  Be kind.  This can be a lonely time for people that have become socially isolated and there are numerous ways in which people can find themselves in this position.  Be aware of the people around you at work, in your neighbourhood and at social occasions.  If you can, include people that would otherwise be left out.  It might mean a couple of minutes of introductions and small talk to you, but it could be a lifeline opportunity for them to feel connected and be able to participate in something enjoyable. 

Please feel free to share any tips or comments you have for surviving this demanding time of year below!
 
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