The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be a big source of stress. From buying presents and dealing with in-laws to preparing holiday meals and entertaining, there’s a lot to think about. And if you’re trying to stay healthy and fit, it can be tough to stay on track when all the holiday parties are in full swing.
What stresses people out about the holidays?
There are a number of things that can stress people out during the holidays, including:
- Buying gifts
- Dealing with family
- Preparing holiday meals
- Entertaining guests
- Staying on budget
- Keeping up with holiday traditions
What is the most stressful thing about the holidays?
This can vary from person to person based on what their strengths and weaknesses are in all areas of their life. The thing that is important to remember is, if buying gifts is easy for your best friend but feels like torture to you, that doesn’t mean that you’re being lazy! Choosing gifts may not be one of your strengths. So, instead of stressing yourself out about it, finding a way to manage that stress could transform your holiday experience.
Why do I find holidays so stressful?
Again, this can differ from person to person. Maybe you’re an introvert who doesn’t enjoy large gatherings of people. Or, maybe you’re the one who’s usually in charge of organizing holiday celebrations and you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whatever the reason, it’s important to find a way to manage your stress so that you can enjoy the holidays.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, it is thought to be related to changes in sunlight exposure and the body’s internal clock. Symptoms of SAD can include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling tired or sluggish
- Having difficulty concentrating
7 Practical Tips to Manage Stress and Depression During the Holiday Season
Identifying your specific sources of stress can help you find ways to manage them. There are a number of things you can do to manage your stress during the holidays, including:
Plan ahead and make a to-do list. Write down everything you need to do to prepare for the holidays. This can help you stay organized and avoid forgetting anything important. Break your list down into smaller tasks that you can complete a little at a time. And don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself!
Set a budget. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on gifts, food, and other holiday expenses. This will help you avoid overspending and putting yourself in a financial bind.
Delegate tasks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help from family members and friends. Delegate tasks like cooking, shopping, and wrapping presents to others. This can take some of the pressure off of you and make things more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Simplify your holiday plans. If you’re trying to do too much, it’s only natural that you’ll start to feel stressed out. You don’t need to buy dozens of gifts and attend every holiday party. Simplify your plans by scaling back on the holiday commitments that you make or the number of gifts you buy.
Take some time for yourself. Amid all the holiday hustle and bustle, make sure to schedule some time for yourself. Whether it’s taking the time for your daily routine, taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or reading your favorite book, find something that will help you relax and de-stress.
Practice gratitude. Instead of focusing on everything that’s going wrong, take a moment to appreciate what’s going right in your life. This can help you shift your perspective and feel more positive about the holiday season.
Seek professional help. If you’re struggling to manage your stress, don’t hesitate to seek out professional help. A therapist can provide you with tools, resources, and helpful tips to help you cope with stress in a healthy way and improve your mental well-being.
Is holiday anxiety a thing?
If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed about the holidays, you’re not alone. Holiday anxiety is a real thing and it can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Fear of crowds
- Financial stress
- Perfectionism
- Family conflict
- Memories of past holidays
How do I stop holiday anxiety?
If you’re struggling with holiday anxiety, there are a few things you can do to manage it, including:
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Get enough sleep
- Practice healthy habits by eating healthy meals and exercising regularly
- Spend time with people who make you feel good
- Speak to a mental health professional if you feel that your anxiety is getting out of hand
With a little planning and effort, you can manage your holiday stress and enjoy this special time of year.
Remember to take things one step at a time, delegate tasks when possible, and make time for yourself. And don’t forget to practice gratitude! By focusing on the positive, you can help turn your holiday stress into holiday joy.