Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
- Acknowledge your feelings.
- Reach out.
- Be realistic.
- Set aside differences.
- Stick to a budget.
- Plan ahead.
- Learn to say no.
- Don’t abandon healthy habits.
How do you mentally prepare for the holidays?
NAMI offers these 10 tips to help with holiday anxiety or depression.
- Stick to normal routines as much as possible.
- Get enough sleep or rest.
- Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself.
- Eat and drink in moderation and don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down.
- Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk.
How do you destress during the holidays?
10 Tips to De-stress During the Holidays
- Say NO. Don’t feel obligated to say yes to every party invite, every dinner, every holiday activity you’re invited to.
- Rest.
- Delegate.
- Accept help.
- Breathe.
- Laugh.
- Don’t eat or drink too much.
- Listen to music.
How do I deal with anxiety during the holidays?
Coping with holiday anxiety and stress
- Stress and depression during the holidays are commonly associated with:
- Exercise.
- Get enough rest.
- Find time to visit with friends and have some fun.
- Develop a holiday budget.
- Use your calendar to plan specific days for shopping, baking, and visiting friends.
- Get some fresh air.
How do you stay mentally healthy during the holidays? – Related Questions
Why is my anxiety worse during the holidays?
Stress and anxiety around holidays are often linked to people projecting ahead – holidays are a change from our day-to-day routines and we aren’t enjoying the break because we’re too busy worrying about the unknown.
What is festive anxiety?
Holiday anxiety involves feeling worried and panicky as the festive season looms ever closer. Other symptoms can include: sleeplessness. feeling on edge. a sense of impending doom.
Why do I get anxious around holidays?
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
Why does my anxiety get worse at Christmas?
People who experience anxiety and particularly social anxiety can feel pressure to attend the various social engagements and commitments that Christmas brings. This can lead to increased feelings of anxiety.
Why do I get anxiety at Christmas?
“But many factors help make the holidays so stressful: fatigue, unrealistic expectations, commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one’s family and friends.” Wrapped up in shiny paper with each one of these factors is the act of gift giving.
How do I stop being overwhelmed at Christmas?
How to Deal with Overwhelming Christmas Stress
- Prepare for the Christmas Season Stress.
- Set Boundaries to Reduce Christmas Stress.
- Slow Down This Year.
- Simplify Everything by Scaling Back.
- Take Time for Yourself.
- Just Say No.
- Focus On The Important Stuff.
- How do you deal with Overwhelming Christmas Stress?
How do I destress at Christmas?
Christmas Stress Tips – 10 Ways To Have A Less Stressed Christmas
- Manage Your Stress Moment By Moment.
- Start Early, Plan Ahead.
- Take Rest Breaks.
- Be Realistic.
- Be Mindful Of What You Eat And Drink.
- Learn To Get Along And Accept Each Other’s Uniqueness.
- Healthy People Can Say And Hear “No”
- Take Some “You” Time.
Why is Christmas hard for some people?
Extra costs and pressure to spend money, for example on presents, outfits or food. Existing problems with managing money and your mental health, which might feel more difficult at Christmas. Childcare, such as having to work when children are at home and being unable to spend time with them.
Is it OK to ignore Christmas?
Definitely! And is it okay to enjoy the solitude of Christmas Day and indulge yourself without feeling guilty? Bring it on! Whether you find yourself alone this Christmas by choice or circumstance, it can be a liberating experience to buck the trend of togetherness.
Why do I get so emotional at Christmas?
Sweet, Sad Nostalgia
This is particularly true for those of us who grieve. Even the most joyful moments of the holiday season are tinged with sadness. If you’re grieving, the pressure to follow through with family traditions while creating joyful new memories can feel like an affront.
Is it normal to dread Christmas?
It is (Completely) Normal to Dread Christmas
Although you might be surrounded by people who love Christmas and all it brings, be assured you are far from the only person feeling stressed or anxious.
How do you avoid Christmas blues?
Here are 10 tips for beating the post-Christmas blues.
- Make a plan. After the excitement of Christmas, going back to a regular, mundane routine is enough to lower anybody’s spirits.
- Exercise your funny bone.
- Brave your fears.
- Get active.
- Watch what you eat.
- Don’t be SAD.
- Be selfless.
- Perk up your social life.