How to deal with holiday stress and anxiety
The holidays can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing time for many people. There are a number of things that can contribute to holiday stress and anxiety, such as financial concerns, family dynamics, and the pressure to spend time with extended family or friends. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious during the holidays, there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms.
Tips for coping with holiday stress and anxiety:
1. Identify your triggers:
What is it about the holidays that set off your stress and anxiety? Is it the crowds at malls or parties? Is it seeing certain family members? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to plan ahead to avoid them or minimize their impact.
2. Make a plan:
If you know you’re going to be in a situation that is likely to trigger your stress or anxiety, make a plan ahead of time. This might involve coming up with an escape route, such as leaving a party early if it gets too overwhelming. Or it might mean having a conversation with a family member ahead of time about topics to avoid.
3. Don’t over commit:
One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is trying to do too much. Don’t feel like you have to say yes to every invitation or take on more than you can handle. Prioritize the things that are most important to you and let the rest go.
4. Take care of yourself:
Make sure to schedule some time for yourself during the busy holiday season. This might mean taking a few minutes each day to meditate or exercise, or it might mean scheduling a massage or getting a manicure. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that helps you relax and de-stress.
5. Seek support:
If your stress and anxiety are starting to feel unmanageable, seek out professional help. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies and work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
6. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption:
It’s easy to drink more alcohol than usual during the holidays, but be mindful of how much you’re consuming. Alcohol can worsen anxiety and make stress harder to cope with. If you do drink, try to stick to one or two drinks and alternate with water.
7. Make time for yourself:
The holidays can be a hectic time, but it’s important to make time for you. Schedule some alone time into your schedule to relax and recharge. This might mean taking a long bath, reading your favorite book, or going for a walk in nature.
8. Reach out to someone:
If you’re feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays, reach out to someone. This could be a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Connecting with someone can help reduce stress and make the holidays feel more bearable.
9. Be gentle with you:
The holidays can be a tough time, so be gentle with you. If things don’t go as planned or you have a bad day, don’t beat yourself up. Remember that everyone has off days and that it’s normal to feel stressed during the holiday season.
10. Seek professional help:
If your stress and anxiety are starting to feel unmanageable, seek out professional help. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies and work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
11. Give yourself a break:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and give you a break. This might mean taking a day off from work or saying no to social invitations. It’s okay to take some time for yourself to rest and recharge.
12. Practice self-care:
Make sure to schedule some time for yourself during the busy holiday season. This might mean taking a few minutes each day to meditate or exercise, or it might mean scheduling a massage or getting a manicure. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that helps you relax and de-stress.
Conclusion:
The holidays can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking time for many people. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take care of yourself and seek out help if needed. Remember to schedule some time for yourself, practice self-care, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption. If your stress and anxiety are starting to feel unmanageable, reach out to a professional for help.