Managing Holiday Stress
The holiday season is supposed to be a cheerful time spent celebrating with family and friends. Unfortunately, for many, “the most wonderful time of year” also brings a great deal of anxiety and stress. Lack of time, financial burden, travel, family get togethers, gift giving pressure, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can contribute to such “winter blues.” Additionally, for those who have lost family members or friends, the memories of the loss can make it harder to cope with holiday stressors.
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.
What can we do? First, it’s important to identify your triggers – are there certain situations that cause you to be disproportionately overwhelmed during this time? During especially stressful periods, it may be beneficial to consider if there are patterns pointing to an underlying cause for these feelings.
Finally, here are some simple tips that may help prepare you for the stresses of this year’s holiday season:
Plan ahead. It can be tricky finding time for all of your holiday activities and the traffic that comes with this time of year. Creating an action plan with the things you need to do so you can prioritize what's most important can help to relieve this stress. A list also makes it harder for things to slip your mind!
Put yourself first. Yes, we are aware that it is supposed to be a season of giving but taking care of yourself will make it easier for you to take care of others. Give back to yourself by setting aside time to do what you enjoy, such as a dinner out, exercise, or just a few minutes of fresh air. Additionally, regularly getting good sleep benefits our physical and mental health year-round.
Keep your finances in check. The sentiment behind a gift is more important than the cost. Create a budget, only spend what you can afford, and if you don’t have the ability to spend anything, bake a treat or offer your talents and time to those near and dear to your heart.
Honor loved ones that you have lost. It may be difficult to celebrate the holiday season if you lost someone close to you or distance makes it difficult to spend time together. Consider reflecting on special memories or doing something meaningful in their honor.
Don’t be afraid to say no. Try to say yes to events and commitments that will bring you joy. Say no to obligations that will cause heartache and disappointment. By establishing healthy boundaries, you will experience less stress and worry.
May your holiday season be merry, bright, and minimally stressful!
Best regards,
Maily Wirks
