The holidays can be a very stressful and busy time. From spending time with your least-liked family members to travelling all over the place, all the stress and running around can wreak havoc on your mental well-being. So if you struggle with holiday anxiety and stress, here are some tips to help you get through it.
Dealing with family
Sometimes family can be the worst as they may try and guilt trip you or push your boundaries, making you feel obligated to do things that you don’t want to. What you can do to remedy this is to communicate with your family members, set some boundaries telling them what you can and cannot do. If you don’t want to stay over the whole weekend, then stay one night and stay at a hotel the rest of the time. You can also choose one family to visit instead of trying to see and please everyone.
Draw up a budget
The holidays can use up a lot of your cash. From buying presents to travelling, you may feel the pressure of spending your money on things that you don’t want or need. Rather than being broke in January, plan your budget ahead of time and only spend cash or debit. If presents are an issue, then why not plan a Secret Santa so that you only need to spend your money on one present.
Talk to someone
If you’re feeling alone and isolated during the holidays, then one of the best things you can do is reach out for help. Ask a close friend or family member if you can meet up and talk about what’s troubling you. You can also tell them how you feel during the holidays, this way they can check up on you once and awhile to see if you’re alright.
Don’t overextend yourself
It can be tempting to say yes to almost every request from a friend and family member during the holidays. But if you’re asked to cook the turkey, pick your grandmother up at the airport and to organise the decorations – you can wear yourself thin and get overly stressed. People will understand if you can’t do everything, rather ask others for help and make a list of what’s actually important. It’s ok to say no and to stand your ground.
Take some time to relax
During this busy period, you must also make time for yourself. Spend some time alone, without any distractions. Find things that help to reduce your stress, such as meditation and yoga. You should also plan some time to do the things you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book or going for a jog. It’s important that you focus on you so that you don’t feel overwhelmed and too stressed.
Rather than letting the stress and anxiety of the holidays get to you, make sure that you plan some chill time and set some boundaries. Make sure that people are treating you right so that you too can enjoy the holidays.