The holidays are just around the corner. This means increased family time, shopping, decorating, holiday parties, an abundance of snacks and for many traveling. All of these things can rack up your stress levels, especially when you are trying to fit everything in and do it well.
In fact 52% of Canadians report anxiety and depression during the holiday season. Below are 4 ways the holiday can be overwhelming and ways to mitigate that stress.
1) Too much Togetherness
We love our families and friends, but holidays are extremely social and can be exhausting leaving you feeling like your social battery is depleted. It is important to find small ways you can recharge and hold your ground if tensions start running high.
If you accept an invitation but feel overwhelmed while you are there take a timeout. Step outside for some air or find a quiet place to take a few moments by yourself (the bathroom is a great place for this).
If you don’t want to stay, you are allowed to leave. Arrange your own transportation so you can come and go as you please.
If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to go. Give yourself the space to do what serves you. Check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling, if you feel obligated to go or guilty about not going, make a game plan to be there for a short period of time or send an acknowledgement of the invite and send your regards. If needed make plans with the host at another time that works best for you.
Come up with a self care plan. Take time to schedule things just for you. It may be planning to take an extra long shower, having a movie night or even scheduling time for nothing (scheduling time for nothing is still something) and allow your self space to just be. I encourage you to be strict with your self care plan and not to overload your schedule. Do what you can and if you can’t do it all that’s okay. Pick what’s most important to you.
2) Feeling Lonely
It’s easy to feel left out over the holidays or to miss people we care for. 1 in 5 Canadian’s report feeling lonely which can be exasperated in the winter months, which makes the holiday season hard. To help make that time of year feel more special and less isolating make a plan for you that excites you! Some ways to do this are;
Create a holiday tradition just for you, this may be watching a particular movie with your favourite snacks, reading a particular book or work on a holiday project
Volunteer. Many organizations are looking for extra help with increased demand in the colder months. You help out at a local non-profit to help serve meals, volunteer with spiritual associations or offer assistance with organizing donations at local organizations.
Send holiday cards or write letters. Maybe you mail cards to everyone you know or you write a letter and never send it. Either way it creates feelings of connectedness and an opportunity to think about the people in your life.
3) Trying to Make Everything ‘Perfect’
The perfect gift, the perfect decorations, the perfect outfit, creating the ‘right’ type Christmas magic, it can feel like the pressure is on. It may also be feeling more like a job than something for you to enjoy. Some ways to switch things up this year are to;
Delegate to others. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, assigning tasks or having a pot luck. After all it’s their holiday too!
Set the ground rules. If you know there are certain topics that will set people off or things that will add stress, be kind and clear about boundaries and expectations with others. If it’s your home or event, you get to make the rules.
4) Overindulgence
During the holiday we do everything to the max; over eating, over drinking, over spending and going over the top in just about every way. This can really impact your mental health, especially if you are struggling financially or with substance use. Consumption comes at a price not everyone can afford. If your finding this,
Know you do not have to buy things to show others you care. You can give other gifts, such as the gift of time, write a letter to show how much you appreciate them or offer to help them with something.
Stay on top of what you are spending by budgeting. Using a budgeting template can be helpful.
Don’t lose sight of the importance of exercise and sleep.
‘Play out the tape’. If you’re someone who overindulges think about what it will look like when you are finished. How will you feel? What affects will it have on the people around you? Will it impact what’s important to you? These are important things to consider before you even start.
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