If you struggle with holiday anxiety, you are not alone. People are always asking if you are ready for the holidays. You have all these obligations that you think you need to fulfill. Yet you may be the only person putting pressure on yourself.
There are things you can do that will greatly decrease your level of stress. Remember, you don’t have to get it all done. Just take some time to enjoy your loved ones as being together is what it is all about.
How to let go of holiday anxiety
Lower expectations
You might have this idea of how the perfect holiday will unfold. In your mind you think about the meal, the opening of the gifts and the family games you will play etc. Yet most likely things will not go exactly as planned. Perhaps someone else has another idea of what the family can do to spend time together, or people decide they don’t want to play any games. It’s just about going with the flow and letting it unfold, as it will.
It doesn’t all have to get done
So many people have holiday anxiety over all that needs to be done. There is the cooking, decorating, parties, etc. Well, my question to you is, does it really need to be done? My guess is that you could simplify things and make your life easier. So what if the holiday cards don’t get sent? Will anyone hold it against you? Do you take stock of the people who don’t send you cards? Most likely people won’t remember who sends cards and who doesn’t.
Say No to reduce holiday anxiety
Holiday time usually brings an abundance of gatherings. There is the work party, book club party, friends party, any group you belong to party etc. It can get overwhelming. That is OK. You don’t have to go to everything that comes your way. Pick and choose. My guess is that you feel more obligated to some and not others. All you have to do is tell them that you have another engagement. They don’t need to know that the engagement might be on your couch with Netflix.
Delegate
Is the holiday gathering at your place? If so, that can be very stressful. Even so, there are things you can do to reduce that stress such as delegating tasks to family members or close friends. Perhaps others can bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert.
You can also cater the meal, pick one up from the grocery store, or hire someone to help you.
Plan ahead
If you have a game plan way in advance, you can do small things over time vs. waiting until the last minute to do everything at once. Are there foods/desserts you can make in advance and freeze? This will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Pick a budget and stick to it
This may be especially difficult if your love language is gift giving. You may want to shower those you love with presents. Perhaps you can do it with less expensive gifts. Instead of a present, maybe you give an experience together such as a picnic on the beach. In addition, you don’t want to be saddled with debt in January.
Stick to the meaning of the holidays
The holidays are more about your family traditions and/or being with loved ones. Having a happy, healthy family is a gift in itself. Count your blessings and be grateful for what you have. My guess is that you are richer than you can even imagine.
Practice self-care to reduce holiday anxiety
Self-care is critical for reducing holiday anxiety. This means get enough sleep, don’t drink alcohol to excess and don’t gorge on all the holiday food. Of course we want you to enjoy yourself. So have a drink or two. No one enjoys blacking out or having a hangover the next day. Eat the holiday foods and sweets. Enjoy them, but in moderation.
Meditation/Mindfulness
Take time to breathe. The season does not need to be all rush rush. If it isn’t too cold where you are, sit outside with your coffee or tea. Breathe in the fresh air. Notice the temperature around you. Pay attention to what is going on in this specific period of time. Can you smell your coffee or tea? Savor the aroma. How about the taste? Notice what you are touching. Are you sitting on a chair or bench? Feel it beneath you. Be aware of your breath and this moment in time. Do not judge anything just be.
Practicing mindfulness is a wonderful way to start your day, end your day or take a break. Doing so will recharge your batteries and reduce your holiday anxiety.
These are just a few ideas on how to lower your holiday stress. You may have some ideas of your own. If you feel that you have too many things on your plate and it is impacting your day-to-day health, talking to a therapist can help. Together you can come up with a game plan that works for you. Please give me a call at 713-304-6554 if I can help.
Take care,
Debbie
