The holidays can be happy, joyful and relaxing; but, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety for many people. There can be stress with planning and preparing meals for the holidays, financial challenges with having to buy gifts for loved ones, navigating family dynamics, managing your time, coping with expectations, and taking care of yourself.
According to the American Psychological Association, a recent survey on holiday stress, “women are more likely than men to report heightened stress levels during the holiday season, and that they’re less likely to take time to relax or manage that stress in healthy ways”.
Here are some tips to deal with stress over the holidays:
- Practice self-care (eat healthy, get enough sleep, engage in physical activity, drink plenty of water, take breaks when needed, engage in a pleasant activity like having lunch with a friend or watching your favourite television show)
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and others; the holidays or home decorations does not have to be ‘perfect’, focus on what is within your control (don’t expect perfection)
- Create a budget to track your spending so that you do not overspend causing a strain on your wallet (don’t spend more than you can afford, stick to your budget)
- Make a plan to manage your time, break tasks into manageable chunks and delegate responsibilities, be flexible, prioritize the things that matter (make a ‘to do’ list, plan ahead)
- Manage gift giving by thinking about making your own gifts (thoughtful gifts rather than the cost)
- Navigate family dynamics and any tension by setting boundaries, use effective communication skills such as listening actively and ‘I statements’ (positive conversations, healthy connections)
- Keep things into perspective, focus on the positives, practice gratitude (think about if it is worth the stress)
- Do not over schedule yourself, you don’t have to go to everything or do it all (don’t take on more than you can handle, learn to say no)
- Avoid getting overwhelmed, remember what matters and is important (not the material things but the relationship and time with family and friends)
- Talk to a family, friends or a mental health professional for support, if needed (call or text 988, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis)
The holidays is supposed to be a happy, joyful and relaxing time …. not overwhelming, anxious or stressful. Think about your mental health and wellbeing, practice mindfulness and self compassion, focus on connections with others, and don’t forget to practice self care. We hope you have a happy, peaceful and joyous holiday season.