Dec 20, 20234 min read

Managing Stress Around the Holidays

Updated: Mar 6

By: Autumn Drags Wolf, MSW, LCSW

Managing Stress Around the Holidays can be quite challenging, but it is important to take steps to reduce holiday stress for the sake of our mental health. The holiday season is known for being a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of increased pressure and stress. From buying gifts to attending events and gatherings, many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed and anxious during this time of year. One way to reduce holiday stress is to prioritize self-care. This can include taking time for yourself to relax and unwind, practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga, and getting enough sleep and exercise.

Another way to manage holiday stress is to set realistic expectations and boundaries. It can be easy to feel like we need to do it all during the holidays, but it's important to remember that we can't do everything. Prioritize what's most important and delegate tasks if possible. It's also important to communicate your boundaries with family and friends. Let them know what you're comfortable with and what you need for your own well-being.

In addition to self-care and setting boundaries, it can also be helpful to manage holiday stress by planning. Make a to-do list, create a budget for gifts and events, and schedule time for self-care and relaxation. By planning, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and anxious during the holiday season.

The holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. It is essential to recognize the impact that stress can have on our mental and physical health and take steps to manage it. You don't have to do everything yourself - enlist the help of family and friends or hire professionals to take care of certain tasks. This can help alleviate some of the pressure and free up time for self-care and relaxation.

Another important strategy is to communicate your boundaries with those around you. It is okay to say no to events or activities that are not aligned with your values or priorities. This can help you avoid feeling drained and burnt out during the holiday season. The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people, and it's important to acknowledge and talk about it. It's common to feel overwhelmed with the pressure of attending events and parties, buying gifts, and keeping up with holiday traditions. However, it's crucial to remember that the holiday season should be a time for joy and celebration, not stress and anxiety. One way to manage stress around the holidays is to set realistic expectations for yourself. This means acknowledging that you can't do everything and that it's okay to say no to certain events or activities. Prioritizing what is important to you and your family can help you avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed.

In addition to planning ahead and setting boundaries, self-care is crucial during the holiday season. This can include taking time to meditate, exercise, or engage in hobbies that bring you joy. It is also important to prioritize sleep and nutrition to ensure that your body is properly rested and fueled.

Additionally, practicing gratitude and focusing on what you are thankful for can help shift your mindset from stress to appreciation. Furthermore, don't forget to take a break and disconnect from technology and social media. Constantly checking emails and scrolling through social media feeds can add unnecessary stress and distract from the true meaning of the holiday season.

By implementing these strategies, you can manage stress and enjoy the holiday season with a positive mindset. It is important to focus on what is truly important to you and your loved ones during the holiday season and prioritize accordingly. Saying "no" to certain events or activities can free up time and energy for things that are truly meaningful to you. Another way to manage stress during the holidays is to practice mindful breathing. Taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and body. Mindful breathing can be done anywhere and at any time, making it a convenient and effective way to manage stress.

In addition to mindful breathing, physical exercise is another effective way to manage stress during the holidays. Exercise not only reduces stress, but it also releases endorphins which promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help improve your mood and energy levels, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season with a positive mindset.

Another important aspect of managing stress around the holidays is self-care. Taking time for yourself, whether it's through meditation, a relaxing bath, or getting a massage, can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. It's also important to get enough sleep and maintain a balanced diet during the holiday season to keep your body and mind healthy.

Furthermore, it's important to be mindful of your finances during the holiday season. Overspending on gifts and decorations can lead to financial stress and debt, which can take a toll on your mental health. Setting a budget for gifts and sticking to it can help alleviate some of the financial stress around the holidays.

Another way to reduce stress during the holidays is to focus on giving back to others. Volunteer at a local charity or donate to a cause you care about. Giving back can help shift your focus from personal stressors to the needs of others, providing a sense of purpose and meaning.

In addition to these self-care practices, seeking support from loved ones or a mental health professional can also be helpful in managing holiday stress. It's okay to ask for help or talk about your feelings, as bottling up emotions can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

Nizhoni Counseling is dedicated to offering services for our community members through holistic mental health treatment, and community workshops, events, and support groups. We are here for you, don’t hesitate to reach out and build a connection today.