Managing Stress and Anxiety Over the Holidays
The holiday season can be a magical time filled with joy, togetherness, and cherished traditions. However, for many people, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. From financial pressures to family dynamics, the holidays often come with heightened expectations that can leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Winter Wonderland … love or loath?
At Changing Tides Counselling, we understand how challenging this time of year can be. That’s why we’ve put together some practical tips to help you manage stress and anxiety while setting healthy boundaries during the holidays.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s important to recognize and validate your emotions. The holidays can bring up a mix of feelings—from excitement and gratitude to sadness or loneliness. You might feel pressured to “be happy” because it’s the holiday season, but it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. Give yourself permission to experience your emotions without judgment. Journaling or talking to someone you trust can help you process those feelings.
Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest stressors during the holidays is trying to meet unrealistic expectations—whether they come from others or ourselves. Keep in mind, it’s perfectly fine if things don’t turn out flawlessly. Focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Ask yourself:
Do I need to host the perfect dinner?
Do I need to buy the most expensive gifts?
Do I need to say yes to every event?
Often, the answer is no. Simplifying your plans can make the season much more enjoyable.
Additionally, prioritize quality over quantity. Spending meaningful time with loved ones or engaging in traditions that bring you joy can have a greater impact than trying to do it all. Recognize your limits, and don’t overextend yourself. If something feels like too much, it’s okay to let it go. Finally, remember to communicate your plans and expectations clearly to others to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary stress.
Practice Healthy Boundary Setting
Setting boundaries means clearly defining what is acceptable and unacceptable for you in different situations, while communicating those limits to others in a respectful way. Boundaries help protect your emotional well-being and ensure your needs are met.
For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant social invitations, you might set a boundary by saying, “I really appreciate being included, but I need some quiet time to recharge and won’t be able to attend this event.” This example communicates your needs without guilt or apology, while still showing appreciation for the invitation.
Here are some ways to set and maintain boundaries:
Say No When Needed: Politely decline invitations or requests that feel overwhelming. For example, “I really appreciate the invitation, but I’m going to have to pass this time.”
Limit Time with Stressful People: If certain family members or friends trigger stress or anxiety, it’s okay to limit the amount of time you spend with them. Consider setting time limits for visits or scheduling activities that provide natural endpoints.
Communicate Your Needs: Be honest about what you need to feel comfortable. If you’d prefer a quiet evening instead of a big party, let your loved ones know.
Budget Wisely
Financial strain is a common source of holiday stress. To ease the pressure, create a realistic budget for gifts, travel, and other expenses. Consider:
Setting a spending limit for each person.
Exploring creative, low-cost gift ideas like homemade crafts or baked goods.
Proposing a gift exchange or Secret Santa to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is crucial, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Make time for activities that nourish your mind and body, such as:
Getting enough sleep.
Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Incorporating physical activity into your routine, even if it’s just a short walk. Thankfully, Guelph has a lot of great trails to explore! Check out a list on the City of Guelph’s website here.
Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
More self-care ideas can be found here.
Manage Your Time
Good time management can help you stay on top of holiday tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Use a calendar or planner to map out your commitments and leave room for downtime. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities to others.
Practice Gratitude
Amid the holiday chaos, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude can shift your focus from what’s causing stress to the positive aspects of your life. You could:
Keep a gratitude journal.
Share what you’re thankful for during family meals.
Practice gratitude meditations.
Seek Support When Needed
If you’re struggling to manage stress or anxiety, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or us … here at Changing Tides :) Sometimes, having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and managing your expectations, you can navigate this season with more ease and joy.
If you find yourself needing extra support, the Changing Tides Family is here for you. Our compassionate team is ready to help you navigate life’s challenges—during the holidays and beyond. Visit our booking page on our website (click here) or contact us via email (info@changingtidescounselling.com) to book a session today.
Wishing you a peaceful and stress-free holiday season!
