How to Cope with Anxiety Around the Holidays

It's that time of year again.

It's dark when you wake up in the morning, and it's dark before you leave work for the night.

On top of that, the holiday season is quickly approaching. You're excited for more time with loved ones, decorations, giving gifts, and seasonal drinks and meals.

But you're also experiencing a little bit of anxiety along with your excitement. Planning, cleaning, cooking, shopping for gifts—you're feeling the added stress and pressure to make sure the holiday is the best it can be for yourself and your family.

Here's how to cope with anxiety around the holidays.

Take Breaks

The holidays can make you feel like you're constantly on the go. You're cooking a meal for loved ones, baking, setting up decorations, wrapping gifts, and more. All while having to maintain your career, personal life, and family life. You're being pulled in even more directions than the rest of the year.

Don't completely dismiss your wants and needs just to appease others. Try to take breaks during your day to do the things you enjoy and love. Go for a walk outside. Curl up on the couch with a good book. Listen to music or watch a movie. Despite everything on your plate, make sure you're still making time for yourself.

Stay On Track

Don't let the holidays be an excuse for your normal daily routine, schedule, and nutrition. Fueling your body can make you feel better from the inside out. If you're used to eating healthy and well-balanced meals, try not to go completely off track by binging on items you aren't normally consuming like sweets and alcohol. Overindulgence can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and added stress. Everything in moderation, right?

On top of your nutrition, make sure you're also getting plenty of sleep. Sure, you may have extra gatherings or parties that you're attending, but you should also prioritize your sleep, as it's essential for rest and recovery.

Plan Ahead

Some of the stress from the holidays is caused by the pressure of added activities or financial responsibilities. Since you know this is coming, you can plan ahead. Make a list of holiday get-togethers, grocery lists and planned meals, and gifts to purchase. Make a budget and stick with it.

The earlier you plan, the better prepared you'll feel, and you won't be scrambling last minute to cook, bake, or purchase essential items.

Allow Yourself to Feel Your Feelings

One of the best things you can do to try to cope with your anxiety is to actually acknowledge how you're feeling. If you try to bury or hide your emotions, this can lead to increased or worsening signs and symptoms.

It's okay if you're feeling sad, stressed, or anxious from time to time. Recognize and admit to yourself that you're not okay. It's okay not to be okay sometimes. Giving yourself the space and permission to experience these feelings is important.

Seek Professional Help

If you've tried some of these coping techniques, and you're still struggling with some anxiety around the holidays, it's okay to reach out for help. The holidays should be something you look forward to, not something that you're stressed over.

The holidays can be tough. The added demands, weather changes, and other seasonal factors can cause unwanted stress and anxiety. You're not alone in how you're feeling. You also don't have to go through this alone.

You can find love and peace for the holidays again. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of holiday-induced anxiety can help you cope with them before these feelings start to build. Reach out to me today to set up a consultation for online therapy.