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How to Cope with Holiday Stress

By: Rane Wallace, MS, LPC, LCDC, SAP
how to cope with holiday stress

While the holidays are a time of celebration and festivity, they can also bring stress and overwhelm. And if all the socializing, gift-giving, and holiday partying is getting to you, you’re not alone. A 2023 poll revealed that two-thirds of respondents (67%) described their stress levels as moderate to extreme during the holiday season. So, how to cope with holiday stress? Today’s article offers seven stress management techniques for you to try this year:

Say No to Prevent Burnout

There are an abundance of obligations that arise during the holiday season. However, it’s okay to say no! Prioritize the activities that bring joy and allow you to emotionally recharge. Also, strive to simplify wherever you can. (While the thought of making your grandmother’s pie from scratch every year sounds nice, buying a frozen pie at the store is significantly less stressful.)

Take a Breather

Family gatherings have the potential to host dicey conversations. If you anticipate something turning for the worse, try not to let it escalate. It’s entirely okay to dismiss yourself from any conversation or situation that you no longer want to be in.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation practices are valuable mental health tools. If you haven’t already incorporated them into your routine, the holidays are a great place to start. If you’re new to mindfulness, there are plenty of online resources available to help.

Personally? We recommend Headspace, Calm, or Smiling Mind.

Stay in Therapy

Don’t ditch your therapist during the holidays! (Especially if you’re wondering how to cope with holiday stress.) The holidays bring up all sorts of difficult emotions and situations. Therefore, keeping your scheduled therapy sessions provides a built-in time to explore anything that comes up.

Get Fresh Air and Sunlight

Especially with shorter days, getting outside and getting fresh air and sunlight is a game changer for mental health. Many people struggle with depression during the winter months, but walking outside in the sunlight can be a great tool for centering and calming oneself.

Acknowledge Grief

It’s hard not to think about lost loved ones during the holidays. However, instead of trying to avoid thinking about them, we encourage you to acknowledge and celebrate them. Get together with family and friends and share stories and fond memories, especially those that highlight important aspects of their lives.

Manage Financial Stress

Finances are one of the biggest motivators of holiday stress. Try to avoid overspending and instead focus on meaningful celebrations. Instead of buying incredibly expensive gifts, show your affection by being present and supportive. Also, consider giving handmade gifts or doing a Secret Santa exchange.

How to Cope with Holiday Stress

There’s no denying that the holidays can be stressful. If you were wondering how to cope with holiday stress, we hope today’s article offered some helpful tools and techniques. However, if you’d like professional help managing any emotions this holiday season has brought up, our Fort Wellness Counseling team is here for you. Contact us to get started.

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