YES, Holiday Anxiety Is Real. Here’s How You Can Tackle It

While the holiday season may bring festive cheer, it can also trigger anxiety for some. From finding the perfect gift and concerns about affordability to dealing with depression, grief, and loss, numerous factors can contribute to stress during the festive and holiday season. Guess what? Research says holiday anxiety is real. It is increasingly impacting physical and emotional health among people today. How do you tackle this?

Find out.

What can cause holiday anxiety?

• Holiday preparation
• Cleaning
• Gifting (giving and receiving)
• Lack of time
• Financial instability
• Pressure to be happy and festive
• Loss of a loved one
• Being away from family/loved ones

How does holiday anxiety manifest itself?

• Headaches
• Fatigue/Exhaustion
• Insomnia
• Acidity, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and other digestive issues
• Respiratory issues
• Increased risk of holiday heart attacks
• Loneliness
• Irritability
• Bouts of crying
• Need to isolate oneself

Tips to beat holiday anxiety

1. Feel your feelings. It is okay to feel anxious or sad. Stop pressuring yourself to feel happy just because everyone around you is.
2. Lost a loved one? If you are dealing with grief, this can be an even more difficult time for you. It is okay to cry your heart out. It can be cathartic. But also know that you need to find ways to move mindfully back to stability to avoid going into a downward spiral. Surround yourself with people you feel comfortable leaning on. Allow them to love you and hold your space.
3. Feeling lonely? Reach out. If you are lonely or cannot be with your loved ones, it is okay to feel sad. Are there friends, communities, or social groups you can meet? Do that if it helps. There are several virtual events and support groups that you can connect with too.
4. Do not have support groups? Do something meaningful and fulfilling. You can even volunteer and spend time at your local animal shelter, old age home, orphanage, and so on. Perhaps make a small donation in a loved one’s or your name.
5. If the pressure to live up to the holiday traditions is weighing you down, keep it simple and low-key. Speak to your family about it. Holidays don’t always have to mean elaborate dinners and crowded gatherings. Use this time to reconnect with them and do simple things. Express gratitude, play board games, write letters or hug them. Stick to a few rituals. Or create new ones that are easier for you to practice.
6. Cannot meet your loved ones in person? Meet them virtually. Set up a video call if it helps.
7. Keep calm in the face of quarrels and conflicts. If you do not share the best relationship with another family member on the table, it is okay. Limited or less contact is better. If you think you can set aside your difference, establish a truce for that one day. If someone explodes or appears upset, avoid saying anything that may trigger them. Perhaps they are fighting the same battles that you are. Be kind and accept kindness only.
8. Avoid last-minute scurrying. Set a schedule to get your gifts, clean, and bake. Work backward to meet them. Do not shoulder all the responsibility alone. Involve your spouse, children, and other family members. It could be a great way to bond.
9. Do not put a high price on what makes for a great gift. It is about intention and love. Make a homemade card or gift. Set a budget and stick to it, if it helps.
10. Set and respect boundaries. It is okay to say no to something you do not want to do. There is no need to give in to doing something that may overwhelm you – whether this is at home or work.
11. Don’t let the holidays become a free pass for you to lose sight of your health. Enjoy your desserts and do the activities you love without guilt. But do it in moderation. Avoid overindulgence and greed. Eat balanced meals, get quality sleep, get at least a 15-minute workout, practice deep breathing or yoga, and so on. Don’t drown yourself in alcohol or recreational drugs.
12. Find time to do things you truly enjoy. Watch that movie, listen to music, knit, paint, read a book – whatever makes you feel good.

Holidays are meant to relax you, not stress you out. If none of the above tips work, seek the guidance of a mental health expert. Identify and jot down what triggers you and chart an action plan to tackle them. I hope you find your peace.

RELATED READINGS

8 Healthy Sweets to Make at Home this Festive Season

4 Easy Tips to Maintain your Weight this Festive Season

Feeling Sluggish and Heavy Post-Festive Season? Try This 7-Day Cleanse