Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

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stressed womanIt’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Yet for many it can also be the most stressful season. Time pressures, financial worries, family conflict, and the pressure to do it all and do it perfectly can take away from the joy of the season

Here are five crucial tips to be mindful of as the holidays close in: 

Pay Attention to Your Feelings

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that “A 2021 survey showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays.” If you ignore stress, sadness, loss, anxiety, and/or feelings of being overwhelmed, the feelings can take over and keep getting worse. If you allow yourself to accept your feelings and take steps to manage them without judging yourself, the holidays can be brighter.

Set Realistic Expectations

Recognize that you cannot and should not do it all, and pick and choose the things or activities that are most important to you. Saying “no” sometimes is healthy. You will enjoy the things you do choose more thoroughly than if you try to spread yourself too thinly.

Stick to a Budget

A lot of us have been there – we want meals, presents, and parties to be so full of glitz and glamour that we overspend and then have financial regret come January. Decide what you can reasonably afford and stick to that. You won’t regret it!

Respect Differences

Holidays are a time for forgiveness and kindness. The Mayo Clinic recommends to “Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities, and replace tension with something productive.” The holidays are especially not the time to resolve old conflicts. Even if there is just a temporary “cease-fire”, you will be glad you focused on reducing stress and enjoying the season.

Reach Out for Help if Needed

If you find yourself unable to use healthy skills and you experience feelings of persistent anxiety and sadness or other mental health concerns, be sure to reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. Make your mental health a priority this holiday season!