For many of us, the holiday season is a blur of gatherings, gift-giving, and reconnecting with friends and family. And while the holidays are a time of joy and celebration, it’s not always the restful break that everyone longs for at the end of the year. Holiday stress can make this time of year more difficult than it needs to be.
In fact, based on a survey by the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and drained.
So how can we spend less time stressing about the holidays and more time enjoying them? We are going to look at common reasons why people get stressed over the holidays and how to reduce holiday stress.
Scenario 1: You Have Too Much On Your Plate
One of the most common sources of holiday stress is overcommitting yourself. Sometimes we are so excited about the holidays we forget to be realistic about our schedules.
Just because gift exchanges, holiday parties, and family dinners are fun, everyone has a social limit – even for fun events. Just because you have time for an event doesn’t mean you have the energy for it.
What To Do Instead:
- Schedule Down Time – If you have a calendar, we encourage you to actually schedule in down time so you make it more of a priority.
- Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize – Make a list of the events you don’t want to miss. Plan your schedule around those events and those events only. Any events that are not a top priority can be kept on the back burner unless you have energy for it. This approach will also give you a more realistic view of how packed your schedule is.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Say No – Saying no is often a form of self care. Remember that you always have the option to say no (even if other people make react poorly to your decision). The holidays are a stressful time and taking care of yourself is a priority.
Scenario 2: You End Up Overindulging
The holidays are a time to eat, drink, and be merry, right? While there’s nothing wrong with celebrating and enjoying the holidays, you can celebrate and still be mindful of the long-term impact of your choices.
Many people use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge in food, drinks, and spending. While this can bring you joy in the short term, it may cause you to stress once the holidays are over.
Make decisions based on what’s best for you and don’t overstretch your finances just to impress others or to try and win someone’s approval.
What To Do Instead:
- Try Your Best to Stick to Your Routine – Eating poorly and not working out can make us more stressed and anxious than normal. If you normally eat well and work out, don’t let the holidays completely disrupt your routine. Engage in activities that you normally do to maintain your mental and physical health.
- Set A Budget – If you feel the need to go “all out” for the holidays without regard to your finances, try to set a strict budget for yourself before going holiday shopping.
- Know Your Limits and Come Up with a Plan – If you are tight on cash during this time, consider organizing a gift exchange or Secret Santa, planning an experience as a gift, or making a homemade gift such as a baked good, a poem, a song, or a memory book.
Scenario 3: You Put Extra Pressure on Yourself
Putting extra pressure on yourself during this time of year can cause holiday stress. Many people feel as though it’s their job to make this holiday the best or most magical one yet. So they deck the house out in decor, cook up a storm, or host multiple events.
However, when you ask people what they like most about the holidays, most people’s answer is spending quality time with friends and family members. The other stuff, while it may seem super important, may not matter as much as you think.
What to do instead:
- Keep Things in Perspective – Do you really need to bring homemade pie to the holiday party? Or does store bought pie work just as well? When you stress out about the little stuff, remember to think about the big picture and what really matters. Maybe spending an hour of your time baking is not worth the time it takes away from your family.
- Be Kind to Yourself – The holidays are a time of joy and celebration. Don’t rob that joy from yourself by putting tons of pressure on yourself and not allowing yourself to be present and enjoy this time.
- Don’t Aim for Perfection – There is no way to make the holidays “perfect”. Life will always get in the way of that. When you accept this fact, it will be easier to actually find enjoyment in holiday preparation, rather than agonizing over everything little detail.
Scenario 4: You Spend Too Much Time with Family
Holidays can be a time for togetherness and gatherings. However, for people with complicated relationships with their family, spending too much time with family can bring up past trauma.
Your family members may expect you to fall into a role that no longer fits you or to act like a person who you no longer are. This type of dissonance can be emotionally stressful.
What to do instead:
- Assert Your Boundaries – Maintaining your boundaries is incredibly important for your wellbeing during this time. Remember that it’s okay to say no, it’s okay to step away and take a break from a situation or to leave a situation altogether.
- Find Time for Yourself – If you find yourself falling back into old habits or patterns, some alone time can help you recharge. This could mean stepping away, taking a walk, or doing a solo activity.
Scenario 5: You Feel Lonely
While too many social gatherings can feel overwhelming, the opposite is also true. When you don’t have any plans for the holidays, you may feel left out, lonely, or sad.
The holidays can be a difficult time for people who live far away from their families, have lost family members, or do not have a relationship with their family.
What to do instead:
- Reach Out to Friends & Connect with Others – Even if you aren’t in touch with your family, you can spend time with the “family you choose”. Use this time to reach out – either in person or virtually – to friends.
- Volunteer/Do an Act of Kindness – Volunteering is a great way to stay connected with others. Plus, doing kind things for others is proven to improve your mental wellbeing.
- Do What Makes You Happy – Take advantage of this down time to enjoy your favorite hobbies and treat yourself to whatever makes you happy.
You Are Not Alone
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face the holidays alone. There’s no shame in asking for help. If you are feeling the holiday stress this season, give us a call today.
Our licensed professionals in the Georgetown and Liberty Hill area are ready and willing to help. You call, we match you. It really is that easy.
Wishing you and your families a happy holiday,
Jenna
