Everyone experiences some stress during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but this year looks to be a record in the annals of anxiety-filled festive seasons. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to accelerate, leaving people worried about the health of loved ones and wondering whether or not to cancel their traditional get-togethers. Planning for the holidays has become more complicated and for tens of millions of us, finances have become fraught with worry.

However, there are ways to keep anxiety and stress from wrecking the good times. Consider the following tips for keeping your holiday stress-free:

  1. Set realistic expectations. This year, more than any other past year, we need to be flexible with our ideas of what makes up a great holiday season. Some traditions may need to be changed, some new traditions may need to be made. It’s important we acknowledge that it’s ok for things to change in challenging times and that we may not be able to do everything we would in a more normal year.
  2. Feel how you feel. It’s important to acknowledge how you feel, without guilt. You may be grieving, worried, or afraid. You may feel any combination of emotions, and that’s all ok. It’s not possible to force yourself to feel happy about the holidays when you’re suffering emotionally. Honor your feelings. If you need to cry, cry.
  3. Make a budget and stick to it. Money woes are the last thing anyone needs. It can be tough, but sticking to a budget that you can live with will keep you from dreading the bills in the new year.[1]
  4. Say no when you need to. It’s much better to say no than ending up with too much to do and feeling resentful. You may lack the time to pull extra shifts at work or attend every party you’re invited to. Saying no is part of building healthy boundaries, which are essential to good mental health.
  5. Stay healthy. Keep yourself healthy by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying in motion. Exercise doesn’t have to be intensive. Just get moving. People tend to indulge in rich foods and drink during the holiday, but remember that overindulgence can have consequences.
  6. Give yourself space and time. Don’t forget to enjoy the activities you usually look forward to. Not everything you do has to center on the holidays. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, taking walks, or watching television, give yourself time to do what you enjoy.

Finally, if you’re overstressed and are having problems coping, consider getting some professional assistance. Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.

 

 

 

[1] https://uihc.org/health-topics/coping-holiday-anxiety-and-stress