Extension for Real Life

Managing Holiday Stress

The holidays are painted as bright, sparkly, and magical, but that’s not always reality. There are expectations, demands, gatherings, and financial burdens that can spark feelings of loneliness, depression, stress, and anxiety. It’s a part of the holidays that no one likes to talk about.

What are some practical ways you can navigate the difficulties that come along with the holidays? We’ve got a few suggestions:

• Set realistic goals and expectations. There are often heightened expectations surrounding the holidays. Don’t focus on being perfect. Be present and do the best you can, given your circumstances.
• Prioritize activities. Schedules fill up fast with parties and other holiday activities, and it can get to be a lot! Decide which activities are the most important for you and your family. It’s okay to say no.
• Take time for yourself. Go for a walk, read a book, or listen to music. Do something you enjoy by yourself, even if it is for only 30 minutes. It’ll be good for you mentally!
• Work with a budget. Money is a huge stressor, not just during the holidays. It’s so easy to overspend this time of year, adding more anxiety and stress into your life. Create a budget and try to stick to it.
• Set aside differences. Families usually have many different opinions on how to get things done. It’s easy to become agitated in these moments. Try to be understanding of others and set aside differences.

Need additional tips? We’ve got you covered. Here is a previous blog post we wrote on how to ease stress during the holiday season. It’s got a few other great pieces of advice in it!

As you move through the holiday season, you may have moments where you feel overwhelmed and down in the dumps. When this happens, think through these steps from the American Psychological Association to help you manage your holiday stress: 

• Define holiday stress. Identify how you normally experience stress. Does the way you react to stressors change during the holidays?
• Identify stressors. What situations cause you to develop stressful feelings? Is it family, expectations, financials, or something else?
• Determine how you deal with stress. What do you do when you’re stressed? Do you lean into unhealthy behaviors like drinking, eating, or isolating?
• Change any unhealthy behaviors. If you’ve identified any unhealthy habits, work to replace them with healthier ones. Exercising and journaling are two great options!
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Rely on your support system to help you during this time of year. You don’t have to do it alone.

You can read more about dealing with holiday stress in this article from the children and parenting section of our website. 

It’s okay if this season isn’t always joyful. Know you’re not alone. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional to help you navigate this season and every other season of your life.