The holidays can be merry and jolly for some of us, while for others it can also cause anxiety and stressful feelings. Some individuals enjoy these holidays and going to holiday functions, while others may find the holidays stressful.
Here are a few tips on how to make the holidays less stressful and how to manage anxiety around family functions!
Tips to make the holidays less stressful:
Set a budget!
Creating a functional budget is a good way to reduce some holiday stress. This will help you avoid overspending and going into debt for the sake of the holiday season. Create a list of individuals that you would like to shop for. If you are feeling like it, start pre planning for Christmas shopping throughout the year. Also remember that gifts can be home made as well!
Create reasonable expectations
The image of a ‘perfect’ Christmas can be intimidating and stressful. Be compassionate with yourself. Not everything will go as planned and that is okay! The reality is, that there isn’t enough time to do everything, and family visits aren’t always going to be pleasant. All this being said, you can still have a wonderful Christmas surrounded by your loved ones, as long as you manage your expectations and be compassionate with yourself and others.
Tips to manage anxiety around family functions:
Set boundaries!
It is okay to say no! You do not have to go to all the holiday gatherings if you do not want to. It is okay to turn down invitations to holiday parties or family gatherings. Know your limit of how many you can handle. If you do not feel you can manage the stress of going to the event and not be able to enjoy it, it is okay to stay home and focus on yourself.
Set time aside for you!
Standing holiday functions can be tiring and be draining. Make sure to put time aside for some self-care and do some activities that you enjoy! This can be recharge you and help reduce your stress. During the holiday season, many individuals can also fall out of their regular routine. Try and put some time aside for activities that are regular parts of your routine such as going to the gym and cooking homemade meals!
Seek Support
Not everyone finds the holiday season so ‘merry’. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to struggle alone. Not ready for in person support? Don’t worry, online therapy in Canada is a great alternative and offers a convenient accessible way for you to get the support you need. Rebound Total Health offers therapy services throughout the holiday season!
Holidays can be a stressful time for some, use these tips to help manage holiday stress!
If you’re looking for help navigating anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles, we’re here to help! Rebound Total Health offers Online therapy in Ontario, Canada – email us for a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit for you!