How to Cope with Holiday Stress: 6 Tips to Help You Through the Season

The holiday season may bring joy and happiness and may also bring stress and anxiety.

Are you one of those people who is starting to feel overwhelmed and stressed about upcoming holiday events?

If you are susceptible to anxiety, depression, have lost a loved one, or simply have a hard time knowing when to say no to the demands that come with the holidays, you may find the following tips helpful.

Here a a few ideas to keep you healthy and minimize stress this holiday season.

1. Give yourself permission to say “No.” This can include saying no to a party invitation, no to buying an expensive gift, no to staying out late, and no to eating and drinking too much. It’s okay to know your limits and put your health as a priority before pleasing others, really.

2. Don’t put yourself into financial debt because you want to buy the best and most expensive. Try DYI (do it yourself) gifts. This can be especially fun with children and it adds a personal touch. Instead of buying expensive electronics you can make cookies or children’s artwork.

3. Take some time to yourself. It’s healthy to have time to relax and decompress. Whether you enjoy walking, yoga, skiing, art, or music, take the time to unwind and re-charge your batteries.

4. Let yourself grieve. If you lost a loved one last year or many years ago, know that while grief may change over time it doesn’t go away and that is okay, too. Do what you think is special to recognize and honor a loved one who is not with you.

5. Do what is important to you. Whether that is getting on the floor and playing with your kids, visiting a parent in a nursing home, traveling to see that college roommate, or celebrating religious and cultural traditions. Honor your values and prioritize making the time for them.

6. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. No one is perfect and you don’t have to be either. If your holiday party or gifts are not well received by everyone or executed as you would like, you probably did your best, so recognize your effort and try to sit back, relax, and ring in the new year.

The holiday festivities and chaos usually go by faster than we expect and the new year is on the horizon.

If you are under significant stress, anxiety, or depression and are feeling overwhelmed this holiday season help is available. If you want to talk to a psychologist, you can schedule a free 10 minute consultation by using my online scheduler so click on the icon below.