The holiday season is usually a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many, it can be a time of stress and hectic rush: last-minute shopping, approaching deadlines, and struggling to live up to “perfect holiday” expectations. Juggling the perfect meal, choosing the best gifts, and ensuring quality time with loved ones can easily lead to anxiety. The good news? You don’t have to let stress take away the joy of your holidays. By identifying what triggers holiday stress and finding ways to cope, you can preserve your festive mood and keep anxiety at bay!
Alongside the hectic schedule, elements like financial pressures, family dynamics, and feelings of isolation can contribute to stress. People may also experience interruptions in their routines, which can impact sleep and overall health.
While some individuals may navigate the holiday rush effortlessly, feeling overwhelmed is a common experience. Engaging in self-care, establishing boundaries, and concentrating on what truly matters can aid in alleviating this pressure. If stress becomes excessive, it is perfectly acceptable to seek support from friends or a professional.
Key difference: Normal anxiety is fleeting and manageable, whereas GAD is persistent and can hinder daily living. If the anxiety is ongoing and overwhelming, it may be time to seek professional assistance.
Furthermore, having a mental health care plan can play a vital role in handling holiday stress. Hola Health provides customised support through certified therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists who can assist in dealing with anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues. Hola’s mental health care plans offer personalised strategies to help you manage and maintain your well-being, giving you flexible access to professional help during the holiday period and afterwards.
The holidays don’t have to be a stressful affair. By organising your time, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on what matters most, you can make the holiday season a pleasant, relaxing time with family and friends. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about making memories and embracing the moment. So, take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and enjoy the holiday spirit!
Holiday stress and anxiety – is that a thing?
Indeed, stress and anxiety during the holiday season are quite common. The desire to create an ideal holiday atmosphere, financial pressures, complicated family relationships, social commitments, and feelings of isolation can all lead to increased stress levels. Changes in daily routines and shorter daylight hours can also impact mood, particularly for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To cope effectively, it’s beneficial to set achievable goals, manage financial resources wisely, focus on self-care, and have open discussions with loved ones about personal boundaries. If feelings of anxiety or sadness become too intense, it may be helpful to seek professional help. By addressing sources of stress and practising mindfulness, navigating the holiday season can become easier.How holiday anxiety affects mental health?
Holiday anxiety can significantly impact mental health in several ways:Increased stress:
The demand to fulfil obligations—such as organising events, purchasing presents, or upholding family customs—can create a sense of being overwhelmed. This pressure may lead to heightened anxiety, irritability, and even feelings of burnout.
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Depression:
The holiday season can intensify feelings of sadness or isolation, particularly for individuals who are alone, grieving, or experiencing major life changes. For many, the disparity between the idealised portrayal of the holidays and their reality can worsen feelings of depression.Physical symptoms:
Holiday-related anxiety can present physically, resulting in issues like headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulties with sleep, which can further deplete both mental and physical energy.Social anxiety:
Gatherings and family functions, meant to be festive, can heighten anxiety levels, especially for those with social anxiety or unresolved tensions within families. The expectation to "blend in" or perform socially can be mentally draining.Exacerbating existing conditions:
For individuals already struggling with anxiety or depression, the additional stress and disruption of holiday routines can aggravate symptoms, making it more challenging to handle everyday emotions and responsibilities.Is it normal to feel overwhelmed at Christmas?
It is entirely normal to feel overwhelmed during the Christmas season. The holidays frequently come with numerous expectations—purchasing presents, hosting family gatherings, participating in events, and fulfilling various responsibilities—which can lead to stress and anxiety. For many individuals, the pressure to create the "ideal" holiday experience can be emotionally and mentally exhausting.Alongside the hectic schedule, elements like financial pressures, family dynamics, and feelings of isolation can contribute to stress. People may also experience interruptions in their routines, which can impact sleep and overall health.
While some individuals may navigate the holiday rush effortlessly, feeling overwhelmed is a common experience. Engaging in self-care, establishing boundaries, and concentrating on what truly matters can aid in alleviating this pressure. If stress becomes excessive, it is perfectly acceptable to seek support from friends or a professional.
Normal vs. generalised anxiety
Normal Anxiety and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are both types of worry but differ in intensity, duration, and impact:Normal anxiety
- Occasional & situational: This type of anxiety arises in response to specific situations like making a presentation or attending a family gathering.
- Temporary: The anxiety diminishes once the situation has passed.
- Manageable: It does not interfere with everyday activities, and you can generally handle it.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Chronic & excessive: The anxiety lingers for six months or more, often without an obvious cause.
- Constant worry: It involves overwhelming concern about various aspects of life, making it difficult to manage.
- Disruptive: It impacts work, relationships, and daily tasks, and can lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue or muscle tension.
Key difference: Normal anxiety is fleeting and manageable, whereas GAD is persistent and can hinder daily living. If the anxiety is ongoing and overwhelming, it may be time to seek professional assistance.
Coping with anxiety during the holidays: 10 tips
Here are some suggestions that can assist in minimising holiday anxiety and enable you to focus on enjoying the season.- Establish realistic expectations: Release the urge to create a “perfect” holiday experience. Concentrate on cherishing simple moments with family and friends rather than aiming for ideal gifts, decorations, or meals.
- Develop a budget: Financial worries can contribute to holiday-related anxiety. Create a specific budget for presents and festivities and adhere to it. Remember, meaningful gifts don't have to be expensive.
- Engage in self-care: Take timeouts when necessary. Make your mental health a priority by carving out quiet moments for yourself, through reading, walking, or practising mindfulness.
- Define boundaries: It’s perfectly acceptable to decline invitations. Avoid overcommitting to activities or responsibilities that sap your energy. Safeguard your well-being by maintaining clear boundaries.
- Stay active: Physical activity is an effective stress reducer. A brief daily walk can alleviate anxiety, enhance mood, and help clear your mind.
- Maintain your routine: Changes in sleep or diet can exacerbate anxiety. Strive to keep your regular sleep habits and consume balanced meals, even amidst the holiday chaos.
- Concentrate on the present: Use mindfulness techniques to stay rooted in the current moment. Focus on what is unfolding in the present rather than fretting about future events or things beyond your control.
- Limit social media usage: Social media platforms can amplify feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out). Curtail your screen time to minimise comparison and concentrate on your own experiences.
- Seek support: Reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist if you're feeling overwhelmed. Expressing your feelings can help alleviate emotional burdens.
- Be gentle with yourself: Cultivate self-compassion. It’s acceptable if everything doesn’t go perfectly—what’s most important is your well-being. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would extend to a friend.
Seek support
If you find yourself feeling stressed during the holidays, it's crucial to reach out for assistance. Connecting with friends or family can bring you solace and reduce feelings of loneliness. By sharing your worries, you can lighten your emotional burden and receive either practical advice or simply a sympathetic ear.Furthermore, having a mental health care plan can play a vital role in handling holiday stress. Hola Health provides customised support through certified therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists who can assist in dealing with anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues. Hola’s mental health care plans offer personalised strategies to help you manage and maintain your well-being, giving you flexible access to professional help during the holiday period and afterwards.
The holidays don’t have to be a stressful affair. By organising your time, setting clear boundaries, and focusing on what matters most, you can make the holiday season a pleasant, relaxing time with family and friends. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about making memories and embracing the moment. So, take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and enjoy the holiday spirit!
Mental Health Care Plan
Connect with trained health practitioners anytime
Available 24 hours a day, all year round
100% Medicare bulk billed
Australia-wide
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
