Six ways to manage holiday stress

Overview: The holiday season may cause extra stress, but there are ways to handle it, ease anxiety and preserve your mental health.

While the holidays may feel magical and joyous for some, that’s not the case for everyone. There are many reasons you may feel stress during the holidays, which can range from financial issues, traveling or grieving a loved one. It’s important to have mindfulness during the holidays and take care of yourself. Here are six tips for handling holiday stress:

Make a budget and stick to it

Buying the “perfect” gift for everyone in your life is a nice gesture, but don’t forget you have to pay your regular bills no matter what. Take time to look at your finances and set a reasonable amount to spend. Avoid buying gifts that you have to pay off over the course of the next year.  

If traveling for the holidays is out of your budget, be honest with family and friends and perhaps find a different way to connect that day on the phone or online.

Healthy habits are important

Your time may be limited with preparation for holidays and endless parties with unhealthy food, so it’s important to practice healthy habits. Exercise each day, even if it’s a short walk. Moving your body is good for you physically and mentally at any time of the year.  

Avoid overeating unhealthy treats by eating a healthy snack before leaving for the event. That way, you’re not starving when you arrive, which leads to poor choices. If you drink alcohol, plan to only have one drink and then switch to water to avoid consuming empty calories. If you’re hosting a holiday party, be mindful about what’s on the menu and include healthy options.

It's OK to say no

Kindly declining an invitation is perfectly fine, especially if it’s unnecessary for you to attend. Send your regrets as early as possible as a respectful gesture to the host. Then, you’ll be more relaxed and enjoy the events you do attend or host. Don’t feel guilty about knowing your limits!

Agree to disagree

When you know there will be family or friends at an event who have far different viewpoints on various issues than your own, avoid those conversations. If someone brings up a controversial topic at the dinner table, stay quiet or steer the conversation in a different direction that’s more productive. One option may be, “I’m just grateful for the new year ahead. Does anyone have fun travel plans this winter?”

Create a relaxing schedule

The holidays can be so busy that you may feel you aren’t able to enjoy the beauty of the season. Make time each day to relax, meditate, listen to music and light a candle. Offset those really busy days and nights with time for yourself when you can. Then, at the end of the holiday season, you’ll have great energy to bring into the new year.

Talk to someone about your holiday anxiety

Whether it’s a friend, your spouse, your primary care provider or a mental health professional, share your feelings when you feel anxious. This is important at any time of the year, but particularly during the holidays. It’s very common to experience holiday anxiety ranging from being overwhelmed to feeling lonely. Talking to someone about your emotions and getting advice to cope is healthy and understandable.

Whether you’re looking forward to or dreading the holiday season, know that you’re not alone if you feel anxious. Make a plan to perform some type of self-care every day of the season, and you’ll avoid excess holiday stress.

This blog was reviewed by a MercyOne Provider.