5 Tips for Holiday Stress
The holidays are simultaneously the most joyous and stressful time of the year. The pressure of creating lasting memories can create an undercurrent of anxiety throughout the whole season. The labor of preparing meals, activities, or traditions can often go unrecognized. The exhaustion of attending party after party can drain the holiday spirit.
The team at Havenly Counseling Collective knows this all too well and has curated tips on how to relieve holiday stress.
Set Realistic Expectations
Bobbi (Elder Emo Therapy) says,
Embrace the idea that the holiday season doesn't have to be picture-perfect. Allow room for imperfections, and invite compassion and grace into your authentic experience. By setting achievable expectations, you not only reduce unnecessary stress but also create the space to appreciate the genuine moments that make the holidays special. This year, prioritize your well-being by approaching the season with a mindset of understanding and self-compassion.
2. Do Detective Work
Melinda (Inviterra Counseling) says,
Pretend that you're a detective when entering into potentially triggering family time. Stand back and observe family dynamics, and internally question what's going on around you. Note the emotions you feel as you see these dynamics and try to be aware of how you get pulled in. Check in with how you're feeling and how you're tempted to react as you interact with these problematic family members. Doing this exercise can give you awareness that you can take into your therapy sessions come the new year. :)
3. Create Grounding Practices
Joanne (OliveMe Counseling) says,
Historically, holidays have been the hardest time of the year partially because my weekly/daily routines are thrown off.
I’ve established certain one-off practices for each month (pumpkin carving in Oct, dental cleaning in November, hair cut in December, etc.) to build some grounding rhythm for my body.
4. Eat Freely
Morgan (Morgan Hancock Therapy) says,
If you are a weight/body-image person, you might be experiencing eating anxiety around the holidays. I recommend not restricting during this season! Enjoy time spent with people, and allow yourself a treat along with it. So many memories are made around food, and I don't want you to miss out! If you overeat, trust that your body will find its homeostasis again afterward. You don't have to strictly manage it. Be grateful that your body can manage it if you just listen to it.
5. It’s Okay to Say No
Lorren (Lorren Siu Counseling) says,
Taking care of yourself this year might mean that you do not attend every holiday gathering and party. If you are looking at your calendar and feeling overwhelmed, know that it is ok to turn down some invitations. Consider weighing the pros and cons of attending an event and making the decision that fits best with your needs, even if it goes against what people may expect of you.
Need help with stress?
Learn more about all our therapists, or reach out directly below and get the care you need! Here are what each therapist specializes in:
Melinda Olsen (Inviterra Counseling)
Helping Millenials + Gen-Z’s learn to love themselves deeply using the Enneagram & Brainspotting
Joanne Kim (OliveMe Counseling)
Helping BIG Feelers create relationships where they matter, too using the Enneagram + Brainspotting
Lorren Siu
Helping Highly Sensitive Persons heal from attachment trauma and anxiety (Brainspotting)
Morgan Hancock
Helping High-achieving and People Pleasing Women & Athletes who are struggling with overwhelming anxiety, relationships, identity, and spiritual issues.
Bobbi Kyle Gutierrez (Elder Emo Therapy)
Helping young adults, couples, and teens make wiser decisions that actually move them closer to where they want to be, rather than being sucked into emotionally messy situations.
Kristen Hannah
I know all too well how much burnout plagues therapists and I want to help you protect yourself from it while also learning how to manage your money, so you can work smarter not harder.