9 Self-Care Ideas to Manage Holiday Anxiety

Lean On Holistic Mental Health For Stress-Free Holiday Planning

The holiday season is back, bringing with it high expectations for cheer, forgiveness, and family time. That’s enough to intensify stress and anxiety for many. It’s especially true for those of us who tend to struggle with mental health issues. So, during the festive season, remember that it's normal and healthy to seek support in tackling these challenges. Taking a holistic approach to mental health can help you create a calmer and more enjoyable holiday experience.

So let's explore a few actionable self-care ideas for the holiday season, including tips to manage holiday stress and anxiety, and stay grounded during social gatherings.

Understanding Holiday Anxiety

For many, this time of year brings a wave of holiday anxiety, often triggered by unresolved family conflicts, financial issues, and overwhelming schedules. Those emotional challenges can be intensified by the heightened pressure of social expectations.

But remember, the symptoms that come with anxiety are your body’s way of bringing your attention to an imbalance that needs care. When we understand our stresses and worries, we can be better prepared to cope and even find ways to enjoy the season.

Holistic healthcare uses both conventional medicines and science-based natural medicine care. It focuses on the mind-body connection, self-care, and setting healthy boundaries. Here's how you can leverage this approach to take ownership of your emotional well-being in December.

1. Adopt A Stress-Free Holiday Planning Strategy

People with anxiety often become very good at planning ahead to help manage their worries. That skill comes in handy during the holiday season.

• Create a realistic schedule. Planning ahead creates structure and helps us make things feel less uncertain. Don't forget to set aside time for physical and mental rest!
• Prioritize activities that bring you joy and meaning. Remember to stop and consider your own well-being before committing to activities that don’t contribute to your happiness.
• Break Tasks into Steps. Spreading out tasks like decorating, shopping, and cooking can help you avoid last-minute chaos.
• Delegate. Don't hesitate to share responsibilities with your family members or friends. They can help lighten your load, but you may have to ask.

2. Embrace Holiday Stress Relief Techniques

When anxiety bubbles up, using simple holiday stress relief techniques can help you reset and feel grounded. Remember that we can always control how we respond to difficult situations. When you're wondering how to stay calm during holiday gatherings, practicing stress-reducing techniques can help you quickly reset.

• Mindful Breathing: Bring moments of calm into your everyday schedule by pausing to take deep, calming breaths.
• Yoga or stretching: Studies show that gentle movement can work as well as mood-altering drugs to release tension in the body. Find a guide to integrative therapies here.
• Journaling: Write down your worries and replace them with affirmations.
• Practicing gratitude: Taking the time to observe and acknowledge the good things in your life–no matter how small– can help shift your focus away from the constant hustle and bustle. Try writing down one thing you are grateful for at the end of everyday..
• Bringing moments of calm and relaxation into your day: Try taking a few minutes daily to practice grounding exercises, like noticing five things you see, four you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

3. Coping With Financial Stress During Holidays

Managing expenses is one of the biggest causes of stress during the holidays. If you’re coping with financial stress during holidays, remember that small changes can help ease the pressure.

• Set a budget: Focus on meaningful gifts or homemade items with a more personal or emotional meaning.
• Budget-friendly Secret Santa: Gift exchanges can help reduce the financial burden, especially when everyone agrees to a low price tag.
• Prioritize experiences: You can also replace gift exchanges with baking or game nights with a small group of friends to create cherished memories. Your friends might even thank you for it.
• Simplify: Opting for simpler meals or fewer decorations can also help reduce stress.

4. Managing Holiday Expectations

Trying to keep up with unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and stress.

• Communicate your limitations early: Let your loved ones know what you can and can’t commit to this holiday season.
• Keep your perfectionism in check: Remember, the perfect holiday doesn’t exist. Focus on the experience, and try to weather the imperfections with humor.
• Make peace with differences: Diversity can be a great source of learning. Embrace the varying personalities and preferences within your family or friend group. Pick your battles and protect your boundaries.

5. Tips for Dealing With Social Anxiety at Holiday Parties

Holiday parties can be very challenging when you suffer from social anxiety. We often think that avoiding those events altogether is the best option, but it can actually make it worse over time. Here are some pointers to help you manage your anxiety and conquer your fear.

• Prepare conversation starters: It can be helpful to prepare some topics to discuss, such as travel plans or holiday traditions.
• Arrive with a friend: If social situations make you uncomfortable, see if any of your friends might like to join you. Having a companion to lean on can make you feel more comfortable.
• Take a breather: If the event becomes too overwhelming, you are free to take a break or even leave early.
• Be kind to yourself:Be kind to yourself: Remember that it's okay to feel anxious and ask for help.

6. Weathering Family Stress During Christmas

Family gatherings can re-open emotional wounds, bring up unresolved conflicts, and cause a lot of stress. One way to manage those dynamics is by setting boundaries with family during the holiday season. It can be a great starting point for maintaining emotional well-being and managing holiday expectations.

• Practice compassion: Recognize that everyone is likely experiencing their own holiday stress.
• Be Bold: Be clear about what behavior or topics you won't tolerate.
• Embrace saying "No.": Give yourself permission to politely decline invitations or requests that overwhelm you.
• Limit triggering interactions: Minimize your interactions with family members who tend to cause you stress.
• Protect your time: Reserve moments throughout the day for self-care and activities you genuinely enjoy.

7. Finding Seasonal Stress Relief

The short days and cold weather can also affect your mood, adding to your stress and anxiety. Why not lean into joyful seasonal activities and habits? 

• Savor delicious warm beverages: Enjoy teas or hot cocoa to soothe your nerves.
• Breathe in the enchanting scents of the season: Try calming essential oils like lavender or peppermint.
• Listen to music that feeds your soul: Create a playlist of calming or uplifting songs.
• Soak in sunlight: Spend time outside or use a light therapy lamp to combat depression with a seasonal pattern, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Enjoy some exercise: Science has spoken! Regular physical activity boosts endorphins and improves your mood.
• Feed heart-warming connections: Reaching out to people who know and love you or joining public events and celebrations can help you feel less lonely.

8. Dealing with Emotional Triggers

The year's end can also remind us of people that we lost, or bring up painful memories. It's okay to feel and honor those emotions. 

• Celebrate loved ones: Why not create rituals or traditions to honor those who have enriched your life before they passed?
• Look for support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist.
• Give yourself grace: You may feel a mix of emotions during this time. Acknowledging your feelings can help you process them.
  

9. Seeking Professional Support

Despite your best efforts, there may still be times when professional help is necessary to manage your holiday anxiety. It's important to remember that feeling anxious is normal. And with the right support, you might find yourself enjoying the holiday season more than you expected. If the holidays are challenging for you, consider sharing your feelings with your friends and family. Let them know you might need some extra support. After all, nurturing a sense of community can be one of the greatest sources of strength and support all year long.