10 Ways to Reduce Stress and Maintain Mental Wellness Through the Holidays
Dec 17, 2024
Do you find that the holiday season provides stress instead of joy and leaves you feeling more depressed than cheery? You’re not alone. More than 30% of people living in the United States claim that this time of year is stressful and chaotic, making it difficult to enjoy time with loved ones.
Thankfully, there are many practical ways you can reduce some of that stress during the hustle and bustle of the holiday months. While your stress won’t completely dissipate, it should still give you room to breathe and be present in the moment.
Our team of psychiatrists and therapists at Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry in Greenwich, Connecticut, understands how unenjoyable the holiday season can sometimes be. So we’ve provided 10 ways to alleviate some stress and make room for some much-needed joy in this month’s blog.
During this time of year, the list of social obligations can be unending. You may even end up with multiple parties, meals, or gatherings on the same day. However, you’re only one person, so you may need to say no to some of them. Decide ahead of time which ones are a priority to you and which invitations you can politely decline.
Holiday spending can be a huge stressor for some, maxing out credit cards and putting themselves in debt well into the new year. To avoid adding financial stress to your plate, sit down and examine your finances to know exactly how much you have to spend. Then it’s up to you to stick to that budget for the whole season.
Holiday cards, movies, and advertisements can paint a beautiful picture of what the “perfect” season should look like. However, nothing in life is perfect, and it’s important that you don’t put undue pressure on yourself to meet impossible standards for celebrations or gift-giving. Know when something is good enough and accept the bad with the good.
Even during the holidays, that one coworker or family member is still going to have differing viewpoints on politics or religion. Don’t expect them to change just because it’s around the holidays. Simply take their opinions in stride and do your best to respond with kindness.
With all the celebratory chaos going on, it can be difficult to remember to take a breather. But don’t forget to take care of yourself and do some things for you. This can be taking a nap, watching your favorite movie or show, or reading a book. By relaxing and recharging, you can relieve some tension and prevent burnout.
It’s easy for overeating and alcohol consumption to ramp up during the holiday season, and many times we can use those as coping mechanisms for stress. While eating and drinking can feel good in the moment, they won’t do much for long-term anxiety. Instead, try doing some meditation, yoga, or journaling to alleviate some of that stress.
Exercise and fresh air are two guaranteed mood boosters. With fewer hours of sunlight during the winter months, seasonal depression can quickly set in. So, making time for a brisk walk in the sunlight and fresh air can leave you feeling invigorated and ready to take on your to-do list.
Bottling up feelings of stress or sadness during this time of year can be easy to do, especially when you’re so busy. Talking with someone you trust about the loss of loved ones, relationship difficulties, and other holiday stressors can help relieve some of the emotional burden.
When you have so many racing thoughts pinging around in your mind, it can be easy to not be present and miss out on the holiday memories being created right in front of you. Because of this, it’s important to focus on the here and now by using your five senses.
See the crackling fire, hear the holiday music, smell the fragrant candles, touch the soft blankets, and taste the decadent meal. Your senses will bring you to the present and force the anxious thoughts to the background.
If you still feel like you’re drowning in high-stress levels, our team would love to sit down and talk with you about what’s triggering your stress and how to manage it. Therapy can be a great place to put your stress into words in a productive and judgment-free environment.
To get started with psychotherapy provided by our experienced and compassionate team, schedule an appointment by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.