4 Tips to Cope with Holiday Anxiety
Although December is widely regarded as the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season can bring out high feelings of anxiety in many people. With all the planning the holidays require, it’s no wonder that emotions run high during one of the busiest times of the year.
However, the good news is that you are not alone in feeling anxious about the holidays! Everyone feels the pressure a little bit differently throughout December. Before you head home for the holiday season, take some time to equip yourself with tips to cope with holiday anxiety. Keep reading to learn how you can put the joy back into this joyous season.
One: Remember what the holidays are really about.
The first step you should take when it comes to reducing holiday anxiety is to take a beat to remember what the holidays are truly about. While unwrapping presents is fun, the holidays are about who you spend them with, not what.
Sharing stories and creating memories are what you will remember about this holiday season. So, try not to get swept up in the small stuff, and enjoy the present moment. (No pun intended!)
Two: Gift within your means.
Finances are a huge reason why a lot of us are feeling the heat this holiday season. Despite wanting to give your friends and family all the gifts on their wish list this year, it is so important to gift within your means.
Although you may feel like you are disappointing your loved ones by not going above and beyond financially, chances are they would much rather you make smart financial decisions than put yourself in a sticky situation. Before the holiday season kicks off, take time to get real about what sort of budget you can commit to per person.
Three: Stick with your healthy habits.
December is classically a time to indulge. Not just in delicious homemade desserts, but emotionally as well. If you have a great routine going to keep your mental health strong, do not let it go out the window come holiday time. For example, if you spend time journaling every day, be sure to bring your journal with you as you travel this December.
If you do not have a routine to better your mental health, now is a great time to curate one that works for you. You do not need to wait for New Year’s to work on bettering yourself!
Four: Do what is best for you.
Although this is a time to get in some serious family bonding time, I encourage you to keep sight of what is important. Taking care of yourself should always be your top priority, even if it feels uncomfortable.
If attending several holiday parties will cause your social anxiety to spike, you do not need to go to all of them. If multiple people invite you to participate in a gift exchange, ask if you can contribute a homemade gift or simply not at all. Protect your peace by doing what is best for you.
Honorable mention: make a mental health plan.
Every year, we know the holiday season approaches faster and faster. Take time to prepare for it by creating a mental health plan. This is exactly what it sounds like: a plan to implement the above tips to take care of yourself.
If you need help making a plan to better your mental health, I am happy to be your guide. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to bettering your mental health. Take a look through my website to see if we would be a good fit. If so, you can contact me to schedule an appointment for anxiety treatment.
