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8 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

From Christmas to New Year Eve, the end of year break is the one of the busiest times of the year. For some people, the end of year season is a break filled with reconnection with loved ones, gift-giving, travelling, and so much more. While the holidays can be a time filled with joy, laughter, and love, they can be quite stressful for some. There is often an expectation to feel joyful around the holiday period, but not everyone does. For others, it is a time when feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, or social isolation increase.

Why do I experience more anxiety around the holidays?

Without even recognising it, the holiday can weigh heavily on many people. There are many factors that may affect your mental health over the holiday season, and these may include:

  • The stress associated with planning holiday parties, dinners, or get-togethers
  • The overwhelm associated with packed calendars and long to-do lists
  • Overspending on gifts, food, and travel arrangements
  • Spending the holidays alone or away from your loved ones
  • The high expectations you may have trying to throw the perfect party or picking the perfect gift
  • Not being able to afford gifts for your loved ones
  • Feeling as though you can’t live up to others’ expectations
  • Feeling exhausted after getting through a busy juggle of work, social, and personal commitments to end the calendar year

So how can we make sure we’re not held down by our feelings of anxiety and can experience joy with the rest of our families and friends?

8 tips to manage your stress during the holiday season

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The holiday season can evoke a wide range of emotions—joy, nostalgia, sadness, or even grief. If you’ve experienced a loss or are going through a tough time, it’s okay to feel less festive. Give yourself permission to feel what you’re experiencing and remember that it’s normal not to be “happy” all the time during the holidays.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

Holidays can sometimes bring about feelings of obligation or guilt, whether it’s attending family gatherings or engaging in social activities. Set boundaries and prioritise your own well-being. If a situation or event feels too overwhelming, it’s okay to say no.

3. Reflect on What You’re Grateful For

Gratitude is a powerful tool for reducing stress and fostering a positive mindset. Take time to reflect on the things, people, and experiences you are thankful for. This practice shifts your focus from what might be going wrong or the pressures of the season to the positive things in your life.

4. Stick to a Budget

Financial stress is one of the most common contributors to holiday anxiety. To manage this, set a realistic budget for gifts, food, and other expenses before the season starts, and avoid impulse spending. By planning your expenses, you’ll not only alleviate stress but also feel more in control.

5. Plan Ahead

Holiday chaos often stems from last-minute planning. Create a schedule that includes shopping, cooking, self-care, and any holiday gatherings you plan to attend. Break tasks into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Having a plan in place reduces anxiety by providing structure, and it allows for flexibility, so if something doesn’t go as expected, you can adjust without added pressure.

6. Take a Breather

Amidst all the festivities, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities and expectations. Make time to step back and recharge. Whether it’s through a short walk, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, taking regular breaks will help you reset and reduce stress.

7. Talk to Trusted Loved Ones

Holidays can sometimes bring up emotional challenges, and bottling up feelings can increase anxiety. Talking to someone you trust can offer comfort and provide a fresh perspective on your worries. Even a simple conversation can remind you that you’re not alone and that support is available if you need it.

8. Seek Professional Help

Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling consistently low, overwhelmed, or anxious during this time. If these feelings last, talk to your doctor or contact our friendly team of psychologists at Mind Matters to discuss how we can better support you.

Additional support options over the holidays

There are also places you can find mental health support, even on Christmas Day or New Years which can be a particularly difficult day. The following mental health services operate 24/7 over the holiday season:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Line: 1800 659 467
  • BeyondBlue: 1300 224 636
  • Mensline: 1300 789 978
  • KidsHelpline: 1800 551 800
  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
  • SANE Australia Online Forums
Keep reading about holiday Mental Health Stress Support
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