How to manage holiday stress

By Arjan and Raajan Mann

Although the holiday season may be a time of happiness, sharing and festivities, it may also be a time of loneliness for some. One in ten people report feeling lonely during the holidays and about half the population also report feelings of depression and anxiety. One way to deal with your mental state can be to manage different stressors that the holiday time may bring. Some of these stressors may include money issues, social responsibilities, and self or family inflicted pressures.

Making a budget for gifts or food ahead of time such as doing a gift exchange instead of having to buy a gift for every friend or family member may decrease financial burden. Doing a pot luck instead of spending money on an entire dinner to feed many people may also be easier on your wallet.

For others this may be a time in which you do not have anyone to share joy with. In this case, volunteering may help one feel more purposeful and be a part of something bigger, connecting with your community like local community center or religious institute, or even writing cards to connect with people who you know. On the other hand, if you are overwhelmed by gatherings or parties, allow yourself to be excused early. One can do this by taking their own vehicle, which will allow them to leave early when needed. Giving yourself a break during the day by exercising or walking or talking to a friend or family could also be beneficial.

If hosting dinners due to feelings of responsibility time and time again has left you fatigued and frustrated, allow someone else to host or ask for help doing so. If hosting, set your own rules or traditions for less stress and more enjoyment. Lower your expectations and be as present minded as possible.

Works Cited

Valatcmha. (2023, March 30). Five ways to protect your mental health from Holiday Stress. CMHA National. https://cmha.ca/news/five-ways-to-protect-your-mental-health-this-holiday/