Managing Anxiety During the Holidays

The holidays are typically a fond time for many. But the hustle and bustle of the season can backfire on someone struggling with stress and anxiety. Managing anxiety during the holidays is possible with a little bit of planning and downtime.

Tips for Managing Anxiety This Holiday

Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed instead of joyful? Does this year feel more like a Christmas Vacation movie than Miracle on 34^th Street? Your anxiety could be running out of control this season. It’s time to make managing anxiety a priority so you can enjoy a simpler and more peaceful holiday season.

Take a brisk walk

Although schedules can get jam-packed during the holidays, spend 15-20 minutes on a brisk walk to lower your stress and anxiety and boost your mood. Walking at a moderate pace releases endorphins, making you a little more emotionally resilient. It also boosts the immune system and works as a natural painkiller so that you don’t wake up with stiff and painful joints. Aim to walk several days a week, either outside or follow along to a video on a treadmill indoors.

Go somewhere quiet

Between movie marathons and parades, it’s easy to overstimulate during holidays. Overstimulation can increase cortisol levels. Try to find someplace quiet to close your eyes and block out the noise. Maybe this means ducking into a bathroom or bedroom closet for five minutes. Use noise-canceling headphones if necessary to help you quiet your mind.

Choose events wisely

It may not seem like it sometimes, but you are in charge of your life. You decide what events to attend and what parties to host. Choose these events wisely and stay realistic. If you are already stressed about working overtime in December, then offering to host a Christmas dinner may not be a beneficial option for you this year.

Choose to attend events and gatherings that are meaningful to you. Perhaps that means you only RSVP yes to two out of six invites. It’s your mental health, and you are on a mission to manage anxiety. People who love you will learn to respect your choices and honor your boundaries.

Only use decorations you really love

If anxiety is challenging this year, don’t try to wear yourself out bringing out every holiday decoration. Your house does not need to resemble the Griswold’s for you to enjoy Christmas. Choose the decorations you love the most and use those. You can use the rest next year.

Wouldn’t you rather set out your great-grandmother’s nativity set than the other three sets you own? Do you need three inflatable Santas in the yard this year? Choose items that bring you peaceful memories or decorations you love, and hold onto the rest until next year.

Reach out to others

To boost your mood and lower stress and anxiety, reach out to others. Call a friend and invite them over for hot cocoa. Get together with some friends to watch a new Christmas movie release. Choose to watch the play at the local church and make new friends.

Marathon watch comedies with your family. Don’t isolate yourself during the holidays. Withdrawing socially entirely only worsens anxiety and depression symptoms. Choose wisely what you want to do, but include some social time.

Give yourself grace

The holidays should be a special time, but it’s okay if you can’t do everything you want to do for others. Give yourself some grace. You are only human and stretching yourself thin will not help anyone the rest of the year. Do what you need to do this holiday season and forget the rest until next year. Take the pictures and sing the songs, but don’t stress yourself out over trying to be Clark Griswold. You be you.

Seek professional help for anxiety

Managing anxiety is easier when you have the right support and encouragement. Seek professional help, such as a counselor, when anxiety starts to interfere with your relationships and work. No one should have to suffer through anxious thoughts, worry, and fear. Contact our center today to schedule a session with one of our Christian counselors specializing in anxiety and mood disorders.