Hello, dear readers! As we approach the holiday season, a time often filled with joy and celebration, it’s essential to acknowledge that it can also bring about its fair share of stress and anxiety. Today, I want to share some practical tips and techniques to help you and your loved ones manage stress during this special time of the year.
Before we jump in I want to introduce myself — I’m Britt! I’m a licensed therapist with a biblically-based practice, specializing in helping clients with anxiety, and depression through a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. I am so glad you are here!
7 Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety During the Holidays
1. Embrace the Power of Gratitude
The holiday season is an excellent time to cultivate gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal, where you can write down things you are thankful for each day. Encourage a friend to join you and text your gratitudes to each other daily. Gratitude can shift focus away from stressors and towards the positive aspects of life.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
Set achievable expectations for the holidays. Sometimes, we place undue pressure on ourselves to create the “perfect” celebration. It’s okay to keep things simple and prioritize what truly matters. Choose 2-3 things that are really important for you this holiday season and put your energy towards enjoying those things. For me it’s our holiday tradition of going Christmas Light Looking and watching Christmas Vacation as a family. As long as those things happen I count it a success!
3. Plan and Organize
Creating a holiday checklist or calendar to reduce last-minute rushing and stress. Knowing what needs to be done and when can help you stay organized and in control. This is also where I’d set my budget so I don’t purchase with emotion – holiday marketers are REALLY GREAT at making something seem like a great purchase but if it’s not in the budget it’s going to cause more stress and anxiety.
4. Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care during this busy season. Self-care can include meditating on God’s word, exercise, deep breathing, or simply setting aside some quiet time to recharge.
5. Set Boundaries
Establish boundaries with friends and family. Self-care is also saying no when you don’t have the time OR energy to do something. I’m talking to you my people pleaser – just because the space exists doesn’t mean you have the energy! It’s okay to say no to commitments that feel overwhelming or interfere with self-care routines.
6. Focus on Relationships
The holidays are about connecting with loved ones. Prioritize spending quality time with family and friends. Sometimes, the most cherished memories are the simple moments spent together. I suggest having each family member pick 1 or 2 things they want to do this holiday season as a family (specific holiday movie, cookie baking, tree decorating, Christmas light looking etc). This will make each family member feel valued and finish the holidays with a special memory.
7. Reflect on the beauty of Advent
Spend time in devotionals that illustrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Attend special church services and Read the book of Luke.
Remember, the holiday season can be both joyful and challenging, but with the right tools and support, you can navigate it with resilience and grace. Here’s to a holiday season filled with peace, love, and well-being!
P.S. Wondering if therapy is a good move for you? Here are the top 5 questions people ask when they consider therapy or check out my FAQ page for more info on rates and insurance!
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Disclaimer: While Britt is a licensed therapist this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.