How to Manage Holiday Stress

While Easter is approaching, it’s important to discuss ways to get out of the rabbit hole this weekend. Celebrating Easter does come with its many quirks - preparing gift baskets, hiding Easter eggs for the kids, and so on. However, regardless of the fun, it’s a holiday, and many people out here may love or hate holidays. It’s important that as we approach yet another holiday to practice self-awareness. Below are listed some ways in which we all can ease the stress that comes with celebrating:

  1. Acknowledge your expectations.

Take some time to consider what you value during the holiday. Is it spending some time with a religious community? Or maybe skipping out on inviting the whole world to your Easter party and inviting those dearest to you? Either way, with each holiday season comes a lot of self reflection that you’d have to practice.

2. Communicate with your support system.

Holidays can be stressful. Take some time to contact your support system - a close family member, friend, etc. - who can be able to listen to your concerns. You can even take time to speak with your therapist if your are linked with one. Talking your thoughts out to process can be incredibly helpful.

3. Start a New Tradition.

Sometimes creating our own new traditions can be most helpful in navigating through a holiday. Take some time to consider what are some customs that are important to you and possibly apply it to the upcoming holiday.

4. Volunteer.

Holidays are always the perfect opportunity to practice altruism and support your community. With this upcoming Easter season, you may spend time making easter baskets to hand out to the community or participate in arranging easter festivities for little one’s with your local church. 

5. Contact Us for Help.

If the upcoming holiday is truly a difficult time for yourself, there is always the option of reaching out to your mental health services provider or therapist. Make sure to discuss with your providers ahead of time in coming up with a safety to address your concerns.

Easter can be such a joyful time, however it’s important for us to be mindful when we are overwhelmed, so we don’t fall into that rabbit hole.

CECILIA FABE, ACSW, 96704

I believe that you are truly capable of overcoming life’s difficulties through thoughtful therapeutic guidance.

Dealing with life’s stressors can often be overwhelming, and continuing to experience emotional stressors can create a debilitating impact upon the relationship you have with yourself and others. Just because you experience these stressors, doesn’t mean you have to go face them all alone. Whether it be depression, anxiety, hopelessness, relationship conflicts, etc. I hope to be your trusted support.

My name is Cecilia, and I am a compassionate, empathetic clinical therapist. I obtained my B.A. in psychology from UC Riverside and my Master of Social Work from Loma Linda University. My professional experience includes providing individual and group therapy services in the outpatient setting in both mental health and substance abuse clinics. I provide counseling for teens, adults, and couples.

My focus is on providing trauma-informed care that is client-centered and strengths-based. I have the strong belief that treatment is focused on you, and that you are truly capable of overcoming life’s difficulties, especially through thoughtful therapeutic guidance.

I provide services utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma-Informed Systems, as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy. I provide therapy in both English and Tagalog!

My hope is to provide you with a safe space to be able to work through life’s stressors and for you to feel supported, empowered, & capable.