Looking ahead to the holidays fills us with excitement — or does it? On paper, this is the time we’re all supposed to put aside the daily stress and grind. Joy is the keyword. Traditional gatherings are where that joy is spread, right? Well, sometimes. For many folks, the holidays are when an anxiety disorder rears its ugly head.
Office parties, toxic relatives, rampant spending, overindulging, or missing loved ones who have moved away or died — the list goes on. It’s no wonder that more than 30 percent of Americans report feeling extra stressed during this time period. How can we manage it when anxiety meets stress when we’re most expected to be happy?
How To Deal With Anxiety When You Are Stressed During The Holidays
Plan For It Without Dreading It
Don’t let everything sneak up on you. Accept that you’re currently dealing with an anxiety disorder. Also, accept that the holiday season is a blend of good and bad for everyone. With that in mind, take active steps to prepare yourself for the ups and downs. Also, reach out ahead of time to trusted friends and family members to ask for support and help.
Take Care of Your Mind and Body
Resilience is essential and the foundation of resilience is self-care. Commit to:
Not overindulging in food or drink during November and December
Keep up your normal exercise patterns and routines
Do not throw off your sleep habits
Work holiday plans around your needs
Take breaks and get outside to walk in the sunlight
Understand What You’re Feeling
Keep a journal to monitor and track your triggers and needs. Name your concerns and tend to them. Having an anxiety disorder is no more shameful than having a sprained ankle. Everyone struggles in their own way at times. Be kind to yourself.
Set Boundaries
This may be the trickiest but most important step. Practice saying no. Realistic expectations are your best friend and there’s no law stopping you from doing less. In fact, the less you do, the more meaningful those moments will likely be. So:
Carefully choose which invitations and obligations to accept
If you need time to process — especially if you’re grieving or lonely — take that time
Traditions are great but there’s nothing stopping you and others from altering them and/or creating new ones
If You’re Traveling This Year
Holiday travel: two kinds that can cause anyone to start sweating. Overpriced flights, overcrowded airports, and problematic weather are just three of the pitfalls. If you’re concerned that anxiety will be triggered, here are some steps to consider:
Be proactive. Think about possible anxiety-inducing scenarios and ask yourself how to ease them in advance. For example, if you are a morning person, book flights that take off early.
Double-check that you’ve packed all the essentials.
If flying triggers anxiety, ask for help at the airport.
Choose seats on the plane that serve to ease your mind.
Bring stress-relief tools with you, e.g. aromatherapy, meditation apps, mellow music, etc.
Don’t Go It Alone
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the world. They are common and they are treatable. There is no reason to struggle in silence. Countless individuals have chosen therapy as their path to recovery. With the guidance of a skilled professional, you can better understand patterns, underlying causes, and new approaches.
Self-help and self-awareness can truly help get you through another holiday season. But isn’t it time to put a stop to this entirely? Click to know more about counseling for anxiety.