The holidays can be a very stressful time for people who don’t have any history of anxiety. This is because things like money, family dynamics, and social anxiety can all lead to feelings of anxiety. To cope with these feelings, try to plan, make a budget, say “no” when necessary, and set aside some personal time.

The holidays are a time of happiness but can also be stressful. About half of women and a third of men report more stress during the holidays.

Some people struggle with holiday stress, but some things can help. First, we have to figure out what is causing the stress. Here are some of the most common causes of holiday stress and some tips on dealing with it.

Big Purchases.

Despite being taught that the holidays aren’t about giving gifts, most people spend a significant amount of time, effort, and money on gifts for others. Expenses are also increased around the holidays for those who must travel to see family. They must pay for airfare, transportation, and overnight accommodations.

Other holiday expenses may include attending events and parties when people feel compelled to buy new clothing. If someone throws a party, there will be a lot of food and wine. Since the cost of groceries and everything else has been rising since 2020, people are likely feeling the impact of inflation and are concerned about how they will cover the cost of this holiday season.

Emphasize Loneliness.

It’s a hectic time of year with numerous commitments and expectations, but it may also remind you of the past or what’s missing. When this occurs, it might cause feelings of loneliness. People can feel lonely at any time of the year, but these feelings may be amplified during the holidays. Everyone except you appears to be snuggling up with their loved ones.

Loneliness may result from the death of a loved one and the fact that they are no longer present to enjoy the holidays with. It could also be the result of a recent breakup. You may recall the last holiday season with a significant other and how things differed. It can be especially difficult for co-parents who must share the holiday with the other parent.

Family Problems.

The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends. Some people may find comfort in returning to their childhood home, but this is not true for everyone. Unfortunately, not everyone gets along with their family or remembers their history fondly. When they are forced to return over the holiday season, this can cause a great deal of worry and anxiety.

Not only that, but family members may disagree on issues such as politics, religion, parenting, or any other contentious issue. These types of conversations are common at large gatherings, especially when there is alcohol involved. Anxiety might be exacerbated further if they are already dealing with internal concerns.

Anxiety in Social Situations.

The holiday season is one of the most social times of the year! While some people feel motivated when socializing, others dislike this activity. According to Anxiety Canada, a North American survey indicated that 45 percent of respondents dread the holidays. One possible explanation for this is social anxiety.

“The notion of family gatherings and office parties might seem overwhelming,” writes the source, “and the increase in social engagements throughout the holidays can cause worry and dread.” You may be afraid of saying anything embarrassing or concerned about what others think. This anxiety could be caused by personal concerns such as infertility, food disorders, or mental health issues. Whatever the case, there are techniques to cope with and better regulate these emotions.

How to Cope with Holiday Anxiety

Recognize your emotions.

Recognizing negative sentiments might be difficult, but repressing them is not the solution. They will not leave unless they are dealt with. The first step is to acknowledge any anxiety or tension you are experiencing. Feeling these emotions is not a bad thing. It is what defines us as humans!

This is especially true for those having a difficult time over the holidays. It’s natural to be sad if someone close to you has recently died. It is natural to feel lonely after a breakup, and it is acceptable to be stressed about your job, social engagements, or the never-ending list of chores. Recognize your emotions, cry if necessary, and express them to whoever needs to hear them. You can’t make yourself happy just because it’s the holidays.

Set aside disagreements.

We don’t get to choose our families, so we don’t necessarily share their attitudes, beliefs, or interests. This can lead to heated and uncomfortable situations at family gatherings and is sometimes a recipe for disaster. Regardless of our disagreements, they are still our family, and we may opt to spend the holidays with them for the sake of other relatives.

If this is the case, it may be prudent to approach the meeting by putting aside all differences. If there is an ongoing disagreement amongst family members or friends, try to resolve it or put it on hold for the time being. “Put issues aside till a more appropriate time for dialogue.”

Be practical.

This isn’t easy because we can’t help but compare our lives to others. Social media has made it difficult not to compare. Even when we know other people are only sharing the good parts of their lives, we might still feel envious of what they have, how their house looks, their clothes, and how much money they are spending.

Different families might celebrate this holiday season differently because families grow and change. Some traditions might stay the same, but others might change depending on the new family’s situation. If adult children or relatives can’t come to the celebration this year, try to create a new tradition with them (for example, have a virtual hang-out or send pictures through email).

Don’t set your expectations too high for this holiday season. Honor what life is like right now and try to be realistic about what you can expect.

Learn to say ‘No.’

If you can’t attend many events because you have other things to do, it’s okay to say no. Sometimes people are too busy, and it’s not worth going to an event when you’re already stressed out. It’s better to stay home and relax.

Don’t worry about making people upset. Friends, family, and coworkers will understand that you can’t always do everything. Bosses should also understand that you can’t work overtime all the time. Depending on the situation, be honest about why it isn’t possible. They wouldn’t want to create more stress and anxiety. If it’s because you already have a lot on your plate, consider lightening the load in the future.

Make a plan.

If stress is a primary source of holiday stress, it may be beneficial to plan. You can approach the holidays like any other major job or task: with careful preparation, organization, and timing. There is a lot to do quickly, such as buying gifts, creating delicacies, cooking meals, hosting and attending parties, and so on.

This is especially true for those having a difficult time during the holidays. It’s natural to be sad if someone close to you has recently died. It is natural to feel lonely after a breakup, and stress is acceptable about a job, social engagements, or the never-ending list of chores. Recognize your emotions, cry if necessary, and express them to whoever needs to hear them. You can’t make yourself grin just because it’s the holidays.

Set a budget.

Christmas is a time when a lot of people spend a lot of money. This can be stressful because people constantly worry about how they will pay their bills.

There are a few things that can help you deal with your anxiety. One is to set a budget and stick to it. Another is to avoid spending money when it’s not necessary. You can also do the same when it comes to buying gifts. Finally, you can try some different techniques to help manage your anxiety.

Invest in your health.

People sometimes act selfishly when it comes to their health and happiness. For example, most people are usually too busy focusing on others during the holidays. But it’s important to take time for yourself during the holidays.

The Mayo Clinic recommends taking some time to relax and clear your head after busy days. During this time, do something that reduces stress and makes you feel good. This could be taking a walk, listening to music, or reading a book.

Regarding the holidays, it’s important to keep your healthy habits up because this will help reduce stress and anxiety. Try to make time for regular exercise, get enough sleep, and avoid overindulging in sweets and treats or alcohol.

Seek or request assistance.

Sometimes people need help with their mental health. This can be hard to notice since it can be a bit intangible. If you need help and feel like you can’t manage independently, don’t hesitate to contact us at Kazmo Brain Center. Our team of professionals can help you.