Best Ways to Manage Holiday Anxiety and Stress

If you experience holiday anxiety, then you most likely have a love-hate relationship with the “ber” months.

You know, those cozy, fall and winter months that beckon you to snuggle up with an oversized throw and binge-watch your favorite show.

That is until October calls to request that you purchase candy for every child in your neighborhood and the next two over.

In rolls November, bringing with it the obligatory task of preparing a feast fit for a king, despite the fact that grocery prices have tripled since last year.

Just when you thought you were in the clear, December comes knocking to remind you that you should have done all of your Christmas shopping last January.

Yes, it is once again the time of year to come together with friends and family.

In the 9 months preceding the holidays we all envision warmth and happiness yet, for some, this season becomes a period of holiday anxiety and stress due to the myriad of expectations and demands on our time and finances.

So many choose to go along year after year enduring holiday anxiety in a deafening silence. But this year that doesn’t have to be you!

So, lets jump into the best ways to manage holiday anxiety and stress this holiday season.

Plan to have holiday anxiety

Let’s remember that this isn’t your first rodeo. Do some pre-holiday planning to evaluate exactly where and with whom your holiday stressors originate.

Understanding the triggers of holiday anxiety will help us better prepare to cope and hone in on the people and things that bring us actual joy during the holiday season.

Planning ahead can make all the difference.

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Holiday anxiety is commonly associated with

• Overspending on presents, aiming to please everyone
• Heightened tensions, and social anxiety when gathering in groups
• Fatigue due to the physical demands of seasonal obligations

Stick to your normal routine

First, stick to your regularly scheduled program. The key to reducing holiday anxiety is to keep your routine as routine as possible.

If you typically do your Target run on Thursday evening keep it that way. Pick up a few gifts and hit a few specialty stores.

Remember, you don’t have to do all of your holiday shopping in one day.

Stick to your healthy habits. Resist the urge to celebrate the season with that sugary sweet holiday addition coffee from Starbucks and stick to your matcha green tea.

Don’t overindulge, it only adds to feelings of guilt and anxiety. It goes without saying that you should get enough rest, six to eight hours of sleep each night.

Spread some holiday cheer

Remember that holiday cheer does not revolve around gift-giving.

Holiday anxiety can affect us all. Make time to visit friends and family just to have some good old-fashioned fun.

It will lift your spirits to put a smile on the faces of others dealing with holiday anxiety.

Honor your budget

Mom guilt (or parental guilt) is the enemy of our mental health. One of the great things about being a parent is that you can use the holidays as a teachable moment and it’s just as fun for kids as receiving gifts.

If the advent (12 days of Christmas) is not in your budget this year replace it with 12 days of giving.

Have your kids gather up used clothes and toys that are still in good condition and gift them to less fortunate children.

Look up local charities that need holiday volunteers or search online for charities that could use smaller donations.

Charitable giving can be even more rewarding than buying gifts!

Get out during the day

The fall and winter months bring fewer hours of sunlight.

The reduced exposure to natural light can affect the body’s internal clock causing disruptions in natural mood regulators, like serotonin and melatonin.

Your holiday anxiety could be a result of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.

Exposure to natural sunlight is crucial for supporting mental well-being.

Taking a walk, spending time in a park, or even opening curtains to let natural light into your living space is beneficial.

Alternative therapies that conquer holiday anxiety

Despite your most earnest efforts, you may still need additional help. Is holiday anxiety affecting your daily life, resulting in poor concentration, sleep, or appetite disturbance?

Breathing Therapy

Anxiety management tools like Calmigo, provide breath control in the midst of anxiety and panic.

Calmigo facilitates extended exhalation, which effectively reduces feelings of distress and promotes relaxation while also maintaining a balance in stress hormone levels.

This innovative device engages all four senses to create a comprehensive calming experience.

Vibration Therapy

Vibration therapy harnesses the power of vibrations generated by devices to provide therapeutic benefits.

Apollo Neuro has discovered a way to capture the benefits of vibration therapy in a wearable wrist device.

Higher vibrations enhance energy and concentration, while lower vibrations alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Calm Body, Clear Mind. Save $40 on Apollo Now

Worn on the wrist, ankle, or anywhere by clipping it to clothing, Apollo Neuro uses touch therapy to deliver gentle, soothing, waves of vibrations that help you feel safe and in control. Apollo Neuro’s scientifically validated technology trains your nervous system to bounce back from stress more quickly, going from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”.

Where to Get Help

For those with mild to moderate panic and anxiety, these approaches will suffice for symptom management.

It takes courage to talk about holiday anxiety and other mental health issues.

Sometimes all that is needed is reassurance but in other cases, more assistance may be necessary.

If this is the case with you, don’t let these feelings linger and talk to a professional as soon as possible.

Always keep in mind that you’re not on this journey alone.

Anxiety disorders are widespread and can be effectively treated.

Seeking help is a courageous step, and there’s nothing to be gained from enduring it in silence.

Join The Conversation

We hope you found these insights on managing holiday anxiety and stress without medication helpful.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! Do you plan to try any of these alternative approaches, or do you have other methods that have worked for you?

Share your thoughts, experiences, and tips in the comments section below. Let’s create a supportive community where we can learn from each other and offer valuable insights on this important topic.

Your input is truly valued, and it may help someone on their journey to finding relief from anxiety and panic attacks.

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