Although the holidays are often a time of joy and celebration for many, the last few months of the year can also bring with them feelings of stress and anxiety. If you are looking for tips for holiday season stress relief, we are here to help. Sound Recovery offers the support and guidance you need to successfully navigate the holidays.
What Is Holiday Stress?
Stress during the holidays is a common experience for many people. From the pressures of cleaning, family, finding the perfect gift, and so much more, it is not uncommon to find yourself overwhelmed this season. If you are experiencing holiday stress, it is important to know that you are not alone.
What Causes Holiday Stress?
Now that you understand what holiday stress is, you may find yourself wondering, why are the holidays stressful? There are several factors that contribute to stress during the holiday season. Knowing what may be causing your stress can help you manage the pressures of the holidays in a healthy and productive way.
Family Dynamics
For many people, family is a major source of stress and anxiety during the holidays. Whether you are dealing with overbearing parents, in-laws, or extended family members, this can be a difficult dynamic to manage.
Your family members may have different ideas about how the holidays should be celebrated. This can often lead to disagreements and tension, especially if there are past grievances or unresolved issues coming to the surface. This can make an already stressful time of the year even more challenging.
Financial Strain
For many people, the costs associated with travel, gifts, and holiday meals can cause significant financial pressure. It may be hard to find ways to budget whether you are expected to travel to your relatives or are hosting your family at home. The additional pressure of having to buy groceries and gifts for so many people can be very overwhelming.
Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations during the holidays can significantly contribute to stress and disappointment. You may want everything to go flawlessly, from having a perfectly decorated home to organizing the picture-perfect family gathering as seen on TV, social media, and various other platforms.
Unfortunately, aiming for a completely stress-free experience can cause you to ignore the inherent challenges of the season. This can cause you to experience unnecessary stress as you hold yourself to unfair and unrealistic standards.
Busy Schedules and Exhaustion
The holiday season can often disrupt work schedules and create additional work-related stress. You may cause yourself to burn out by trying to juggle your usual work schedule and additional tasks related to preparing for the coming holidays.
This is an all too common experience for individuals who partake in end-of-the-year festivities. Because of this, it is important to find ways to properly juggle the additional expectations of the holiday season without exhausting yourself in the process.
Seasonal Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression, can be particularly challenging during the holidays. The decreased daylight hours, combined with the added stress and expectations of the season, can exacerbate symptoms of depression.
Holiday Stress Tips That Can Help Make the Season Easier
Now that you understand how the holidays can be stressful, it is important to understand how to cope with this. Fortunately, holiday stress management is by no means an impossible task. In fact, we have come up with several simple ways to help you achieve holiday stress reduction.
Set Realistic Goals
When it comes to managing holiday stress, setting realistic goals can be the most important thing you do. This might include breaking down your holiday plans into smaller, manageable tasks. It is important to focus on what is truly important to you rather than trying to do everything for everyone.
Budget Ahead of Time for Expenses
While holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving take place at the end of the year, it can be extremely helpful to make a budget in advance. Take into consideration how many people you are hosting, gifting, and cooking for, and try to find ways to mitigate your expenses throughout the year.
While last-minute changes can (and most likely will) happen, having a general idea of what your holiday expenses are going to look like can help you prepare ahead of time. This can take a massive weight off your shoulders once the holidays do arrive.
Avoid Triggers
While certain interactions may be inevitable during the holidays, it can help to limit contact with certain people or situations that have caused you stress in the past. You may want to have a trusted companion with you during social gatherings. It can also help to have an exit plan should a triggering situation occur during a holiday gathering.
Focus on Yourself
Practicing self-care is a good habit to have at any time in your life. Of course, this can be particularly beneficial during the stressful holiday season. Making sure to maintain a balanced diet, getting exercise, and avoiding alcohol or other substances can all help limit your stress levels.
It’s It’s to Say No
One of the most important things to remember during the holidays is that it is perfectly okay to say “No.” “While it is normal to feel pressure to attend every event or visit every relative, you are not obligated to fulfill every request that is made of you.
In fact, saying no to situations that you feel will not serve your best interests can be one of the most important self-care practices you can have. By prioritizing your own wants and needs, you can reduce your stress and enjoy the holidays how you want.
Can a Mental Health Counselor Help with Holiday Stress?
If you are struggling with serious anxiety or depression or otherwise have not found success in self-care options, a mental health counselor can be a great resource during the holidays. Sound Recovery offers outpatient stress, anxiety, and trauma programs.
We understand that the holidays can be a triggering and stressful time of the year for many people. That is why we offer comprehensive and compassionate care to help you navigate the holidays successfully.
Where Can I Find a Mental Health Therapist for Stress?
Royal Life Centers at Sound Recovery in Lacey, Washington, offers mental health and addiction recovery support that helps our guests heal in mind, body, and spirit. Our comprehensive programs combine evidence-based and holistic healing practices to ensure whole-health wellness.
We offer a full continuum of outpatient services, including:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
- Sober Living
Our case managers work with you one-on-one to build a treatment plan that addresses every aspect of your stress. Whether your stress is caused by strained family dynamics, work, finances, or any other factor, we can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress.
By treating the root causes of your mental health concerns, we give you the opportunity to achieve lasting recovery. To learn more about how we can help you in learning healthy habits and reduce stress this holiday season, give us a call today. We have the mental health resources you need to improve your time with friends and family.
