We all know that while the holiday season can be one full of joy and celebration, it can also be very stressful. For hopeful and waiting adoptive parents, it’s even more challenging. As a waiting adoptive parent, you’re not only stressed about being matched/placed, but you’re also probably anxious to just begin this new chapter in your family’s story.

2020 has been tough for all of us. So, if you’re feeling the stress and anxiety of waiting to be matched/placed during the holidays this year, it would be wise to find some ways to manage that.

Three Tips To Help You Manage Stress This Holiday Season

Have A Plan/Routine in Place

This is just good advice for life in general. Whenever you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed retreating to plan or routine proves to be very helpful. For example, if you find yourself dwelling on the adoption process during the quiet moments of your morning, create a new routine to avoid that habit. Instead of sitting down and having coffee with your thoughts, use that time to exercise or do a chore. If you worry that you’ll find yourself having unwanted conversations about the adoption process while going to Christmas parties or gatherings with family or friends, create a plan to limit those types of interactions.

Put a Temporary Pause on Adoption-Related Things

There are plenty of things to do and see during the Holiday season that will help you take your mind off of the adoption. Consider being intentional about putting a pause on the adoption, and simply focusing on what right in front of you. Immerse yourself in decorating, wrapping gifts, baking treats, and being with those that you love the most. You could also focus on getting a jump start on your New Years Resolution. Maybe that means organizing some part of your life, starting a new exercise routine, or starting a new project around the house. Whatever it is, use it as a break from your stress and worry.

Be Intentional About Improving Your Mental Health

Mental wellness has become a buzzword lately, but for good reason. We all could do a better job of actively helping ourselves and truly seeking out joy and happiness. One of the best ways to start a mental wellness routine is to begin journaling. Articulating your feelings and fears in words helps you decompress, and provides you with a history of your mental health that you can look back on when needed. If you find yourself in need of more serious help, then seek out a mental health professional. These individuals can help you understand your anxieties and stress, and provide you with helpful tools to mitigate them.

Have Other Questions about Florida Adoption?

The experienced adoption team at Heart of Adoptions, Inc. would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have about adoption in Florida. You can feel free to reach out to us at 1-800-GO-ADOPT or Contact Us online.