3 Ways To Deal With Anxiety Around The Holidays

For many people, the holidays are a joyous time. Time with family and friends. Decorating for each holiday and changing your decor up. Family vacations or time away from work.

But for just as many people, the holidays aren’t an endless display of bliss. The holiday season, in fact, can be very stressful for some. This could be for a variety of reasons. Some struggle because someone they love passed away, while others don’t have family close enough to spend time with. Or other people may just be so busy with gatherings, work events, or activities with their children.

This can cause anxiety to really increase from October onwards. If you find that you are struggling with anxiety during this time of year, you may feel frustrated with yourself. While it is challenging to deal with, whatever the reason may be for your anxiety, there are definitely ways to deal with this. Here are 3 ways to deal with anxiety around the holidays.

1. Give Yourself A Break

More than any other season, the holidays seem like they are a never-ending to do list. From cleaning for gatherings, buying gifts, cooking, and baking…the list seems to go on and on.

Part of our struggles is that we have to fit so much in during a short amount of time. Not to mention the daily responsibilities we have throughout the whole entire year.

Don’t be afraid to take a break. It’s common for many people to feel burned out from the stress and business these next few months bring. But you shouldn’t sacrifice your need for wanting to take it easy. The tasks will still be there, but giving yourself a break will help you feel motivated to do them again. Even if it’s only a 20 minute break here and there, you can help your anxiety by just doing something for you.

2. Create Lists

With so much you have to remember to do, it can feel overwhelming when it’s just stuck in your head. A great way to help combat anxiety is by creating lists of everything you need to accomplish or get done. But don’t do this in a giant lump.

Take it in small steps. With the closeness of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, there’s like a lot you need to get done for each.

Start off small. If you have family coming to your house for Thanksgiving or your helping to prep food, start with that. You can take it one holiday at a time and one task at a time. This can help you to feel more in control and focused on what you need to get done and when.

3. Still Practice Self-Care

Food temptation is everywhere during the holidays. From cookies to big feasts, it’s common that many of us completely blow our diets and nutrition. And how can you not with all of the tempting foods surrounding you all the time?

Definitely indulge in what you want to eat, but remember that everything is in moderation. You shouldn’t deprive yourself of enjoying the foods you love, but remember to still fuel your body with healthy choices. Still aim to eat fruits, vegetables, and drink plenty of water.

By giving your body the nutrition it needs, in addition to not depriving yourself, you can feel more in control of your diet. You don’t have to sacrified one for the other – it is all about balance after all.

Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Support

Anxiety can be a cruel beast. No matter what we try, sometimes, anxiety runs rampant through no fault of our own. If you find that nothing is helping you feel in control, reach out for help. Through anxiety therapy, we can help you ease your worries and find more ways to manage your anxiety during the holidays and beyond.