Surviving the Holidays: 5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Paula Gonzalez MA, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, CIMHP                                                                                        

The Christmas holiday season can be filled with “tidings of comfort and joy!.” It can also be filled with lots of invitations to holiday parties that will have you “rockin’ around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop… as the songs say.

In the midst of all of that we still have to divide our attention and time between school and/or work. We also have to find time to tend to our children, friends and families. Wait, let’s not forget about running errands, cleaning the house and my least favorite, doing laundry. Then, we still need to find the time and energy to cook and shop for gifts. Oh, I almost forgot about the financial stress the holidays can bring. Are you overwhelmed yet? 

Handling holiday stress is no joke. If you can’t protect your mental health during the holidays, the loveliest season will be remembered as a nightmare rather than a joyous and fun family time. 

To equip you with strategies for surviving the holidays, we’ve put together 5 tips to help you not just get through but thrive amid the demands of this festive season.

#1 Be True to Yourself- Don’t be afraid to say “No”

Learn what your individual limits are. Some people can make juggling multiple tasks and obligations look easy, but not everybody created equalBe true to yourself, do not say yes to new tasks, parties or other engagements when you are already feeling stressed. Adding one more thing can be enough to tip the scale and make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. It’s ok to say no.

#2 Maintain Your Self Care Routines

For many people when their schedules start to become hectic and time is already limited, they begin to sacrifice their self care routines. These are the very things that maintain stability and mental health, and therefore, they are vital for surviving the holidays. So maintain your workout routines, sleep schedules and eating schedules. If you do not have a self care routine this is a good time to start.

#3 Set Boundaries People!

During the holiday season many of us are required to spend time with family members, coworkers and other people who can stress us out. In most instances people unintentionally trigger us. The good news is you can set boundaries! Establishing boundaries with family and friends  can be reducing the amount of time you spend with people that contribute to this infamous holiday stress. Instead of staying for an hour, stay for 30 minutes. Stay at a hotel or with another family member or a friend instead of staying at their house.

#4 Have a Budget

Surviving the holidays involves managing potential overspending. With gifts to buy, bills to pay, and food for holiday festivities it’s easy to exceed your budget. Many of us travel for the holidays to see family and friends oftentimes at a great financial expense. Set a budget and try to stick to it. Don’t put yourself in debt for gifts or food. The financial strain will increase any anxiety or feelings of being overwhelmed that you may already have. There are several tools and apps you can find online to help with budgeting. A great tip is to write your expenses on a calendar so you can see multiple views of upcoming expenses and plan accordingly.

#5 Seek Therapy or Stay in Therapy

Many times we walk around either stressed, anxious or depressed and we push it off, saying to ourselves we can handle it, or what we are experiencing is temporary. But holding on to the stress or anxiety and feelings of depression can have a detrimental impact on your body and mental health. This might be a good time to give therapy a shot. Find someone you trust to share your thoughts, emotions, concerns or problems surrounding the holiday stress you are experiencing. This individual counseling might prove valuable not only here and now, but also in the future 

Beat the Holiday Stress 

Going through the holiday season when you’re feeling overwhelmed, strained, and anxious, is a shame. It negates the meaning of this special season. However, by taking a proactive approach to managing holiday stress and prioritizing your mental health, you can transform the holiday experience. 

Surviving the holidays doesn’t mean just enduring; it means thriving amid the celebrations, creating lasting memories, and nurturing your mental health along the way. So give yourself the gift of a more joyful, connected, and intentional holiday season.