In India, festivals dot the calendar year, with a variety of them concentrated in the months from August to December. The festive season brings joy to the routine of life and also serves as a stress buster with elaborate meals, new clothes, meeting family members, celebrating with loved ones, and, most importantly, getting paid holidays. Not for everyone, though. Ahmedabad-based counselling psychologist Parita Sharma states, "Celebrating with friends and colleagues, exchanging gifts, arranging extravagant feasts, buying expensive clothes and jewellery, and feeling loved and included among friends and family are luxuries not everyone enjoys. For those who are away from their loved ones for any reason, be it personal, educational or professional, festivals often get lonely and gloomy." Indeed, for quite a few of us, the festive season can bring with it major sources of anxiety and sadness, especially if we're alone during the festive time. But, asks Mumbai-based Suchi Choudhary, life coach and co-founder of Lyflights, a life coaching centre, "Does that mean you should miss the opportunity to celebrate? Absolutely not! A celebration is more of a mental state; if you decide to live in a celebratory mood, you can do just that. Moreover, festivals are part of our culture, to bring changes in our life that are different from our normal routine."
Here are ways you can keep stress and anxiety at bay and enjoy the festive season all by yourself.
FOCUS ON THE RIGHT THINGS
"Don't overthink what is not in your control," Parita advises. "Do what needs to be done in the given moment. Think of what you can do, and do it, instead of feeling bad about what couldn't be. For example, you might not have been able to celebrate in your hometown due to work pressures, but you can always share a phone call or video call."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.