The holidays are often considered the most wonderful time of the year, filled with festive cheer, family gatherings, and holiday parties. However, this time of year can also bring a range of emotions, from joy to stress and everything in between. With the constant whirlwind of social commitments, the pressure to find the perfect gift, and the financial burdens that come with holiday spending, it’s no wonder many people experience holiday anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed as the holidays approach, here are 15 easy tips to help you de-stress and truly enjoy the season of joy.
What is Holiday Anxiety?
Holiday anxiety is a term used to describe the feelings of stress, worry, and unease that often accompany the holiday season. This anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including financial strain, family dynamics, and the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday experience.
4 Ways Holiday Anxiety Affects Mental Health
- Increased Stress Levels: The demands of the holiday season can lead to heightened stress, impacting both your mental and physical health.
- Emotional Exhaustion: The constant hustle and pressure to meet expectations can leave you feeling emotionally drained.
- Social Anxiety: Attending numerous social gatherings and dealing with family dynamics can trigger or exacerbate social anxiety.
- Feelings of Loneliness: Even in a season meant for togetherness, many people experience feelings of loneliness, especially if they are grieving a loss or are unable to be with loved ones.
Quick and Easy Tips to De-Stress during the Holidays
1 – Set Clear Boundaries: It’s Okay to say “no, thank you.”
The holidays often come with social obligations and family dynamics that can be a source of stress. Set boundaries to protect your mental health and ensure you don’t overcommit yourself.
Saying “no” when you need to is one of the best ways to manage your stress levels during this busy time of year.
It’s perfectly okay to say no to that third church event, a friend of a friend’s gathering, or your distant relative’s dinner party. You can even turn down that last-minute Thanksgiving invitation from your sister. Your time is valuable, and so are you.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Staying present in the moment can significantly reduce holiday anxiety. Instead of focusing on your to-do lists or upcoming events, try to be fully engaged in where you are right now. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner alone or navigating a crowded room, focus on the positive aspects around you.
Use mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or mindful eating to center yourself when you start to feel overwhelmed. Mindful eating helps you savor holiday meals without overeating by paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues.
By practicing these simple tips, you can greatly enhance your experience at family gatherings and other festive events.
3. Take a Break for Fresh Air
Spending time outdoors, even in the winter months, can do wonders for your emotional health. A walk in the fresh air is a great way to clear your mind and lower your stress levels, especially during the bustle of the holiday season.
4. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Writing down what you’re thankful for each day is a practical way to shift your focus from stress to positivity. A gratitude journal can help you appreciate the small joys of the holiday time, despite any family drama or financial concerns.
If journaling isn’t your style, try taking a photo each day of a moment you enjoyed. Later, you can look back and see just how wonderful life truly is.
5. Manage Financial Strain
Holiday spending can be a significant source of stress. Create a budget and stick to it to avoid financial pressures. Remember that expensive gifts aren’t necessary to show you care—sometimes, the best things in life are the simple ones.
A popular tip is to make DIY gifts to save money, but as a DIYer myself, I know that materials can add up quickly, not to mention the time it takes. Instead, I prefer smart shopping. Knowing where and when to shop for the best prices, like during Prime Day or on AliExpress, has consistently saved me more money.
6. Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Whether it’s a short period of time at the gym, a yoga session, or a walk, moving your body can help alleviate chronic stress and boost your immune system.
7. Get Plenty of Sleep
Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. Prioritize getting plenty of sleep each night to keep your stress levels in check and maintain your physical health during the holiday season.
8. Avoid Unrealistic Expectations
The holidays often bring pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, especially with the influence of social media. We feel the need to create a Pinterest-worthy Christmas dinner, ideal family moments, or find the perfect gift. But instead of striving for perfection, focus on enjoying the moment.
If you love social media and want that perfect reel or photo, consider decorating just one wall or corner. Instead of decorating the entire house with a Christmas Tree in every room! Exhausting!
Then, before the big family event, take your picture or video. After all, I get it—after spending hours in the kitchen, every Mama deserves a nice photo to remember the day and, of course, to share.
9. Limit Social Media Use
Social media can heighten feelings of loneliness and increase stress levels, especially when you see others’ holiday highlights. Limit your social media use and remember that what you see online is often a curated version of reality.
10. Plan Ahead
A well-organized to-do list is a good way to manage the many tasks that come with holiday time. Planning ahead allows you to set aside time for important activities and reduces the stress that comes from last-minute preparations.
11. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you’re experiencing severe holiday anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, or chronic stress, don’t hesitate to reach out to a clinical psychologist. The American Psychological Association offers resources that can help you navigate this stressful time.
12. Make Time for Self-Care Activities
Set aside time for self-care activities like a calming playlist, a relaxing bath, or a self-care night. These activities are essential for maintaining your emotional and mental health amid the holiday rush.
13. Practice Healthy Eating
Mindful eating and maintaining healthy habits are essential during the holiday season. While it’s fine to indulge a little, balancing your diet with nutritious foods and potentially using nutritional supplements can help you feel better both physically and mentally.
If you’re like me, you might experience constipation and bloating from all the festive foods. I find that taking magnesium supplements, like CALM, helps alleviate these issues.
14. Stay Hydrated
It’s that time of year for cozy hot chocolates and pumpkin-spiced lattes, but they shouldn’t be your primary source of hydration. These drinks are often loaded with sugar and additives. Nothing beats plain water for staying hydrated!
If you’re looking for a hot beverage, consider switching to tea, like soothing chamomile tea, for a healthier option.
15. Embrace Alone Time
Spending time alone can be a wonderful way to recharge, especially after navigating family gatherings or social events. Use this time to reflect, relax, and gear up for the next holiday activities.
For busy moms like me, finding alone time can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be elaborate. While a spa day or a girls’ night out would be great, even a simple hour to shower, follow your skincare routine, and shave your legs can make a big difference.
Holiday Anxiety FAQs
Why do the holidays give me anxiety?
The holidays can be stressful due to a combination of high expectations, financial pressures, and social obligations. The disruption of regular routines and the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday can also contribute to feelings of anxiety.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety?
The 3-3-3 rule is a grounding technique that can help you manage anxiety. It involves looking around and naming three things you see, listening and naming three sounds you hear, and moving three parts of your body. This technique helps bring your focus back to the present moment.
How can I calm my anxiety during the holidays?
Calming holiday anxiety involves a combination of self-care practices such as deep breathing, setting boundaries, simplifying plans, and seeking support. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and peace, and let go of unnecessary stressors.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed at Christmas?
Yes, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed during Christmas due to the many demands and expectations that come with the holiday season. It’s important to recognize these feelings and take steps to manage your stress and anxiety.
How do you deal with social anxiety at Thanksgiving?
Dealing with social anxiety at Thanksgiving involves setting boundaries, practicing deep breathing, and focusing on the present moment. It can also be helpful to limit your time at large gatherings and seek out smaller, more comfortable settings if possible.
The Takeaway
The holidays are meant to be a season of joy, but they can also be a source of stress. By practicing self-care, setting clear boundaries, and staying mindful of your mental health, you can navigate this time of year with a little more peace and a lot less stress. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in physical activity, or simply taking a break from the hustle, these tips can help you enjoy the holidays to the fullest.
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