The holiday season is often a whirlwind of activity. While our usual responsibilities don’t disappear, the holidays bring an added layer of tasks and expectations—both real and imagined—that demand our time, money, and emotional energy.
Even if we enjoy much of the season, there are moments when we might long for the simplicity of mid-August days. For some, the holidays are far from joyful; they can amplify feelings of stress, anxiety, or even depression. This time of year may also deepen the sense of loss for those missing a loved one or highlight feelings of loneliness.
Add in a packed social calendar, late nights, overindulging in food and drink, and it’s easy to see how emotions can run high. These factors can make us more sensitive to our own feelings and those of others, potentially leading to holiday stress or depression.
Recognizing Holiday Stress and Its Triggers
Holiday-related stress, anxiety, and depression can affect anyone, regardless of age. Sometimes these feelings are linked to specific events or personal experiences. The added pressures and heightened emotions of the season can act as significant triggers.
How Can You Help Yourself?
Managing holiday stress, anxiety, or depression is possible. While some may feel pressured to simply “get over it,” others might need time to understand how deeply these feelings impact their lives. If your stress, anxiety, or depression is severe or interferes with your daily life, consider reaching out to a doctor.
Here are some ways to cope and support your well-being during the holidays:
- Take Time for Yourself: Activities like going for a walk or engaging in physical exercise can provide the quiet moments needed to recharge. Exercise is not only beneficial for cardiovascular health but also boosts mental well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins that help manage stress and combat feelings of depression. Group activities, like an exercise class or a friendly game of soccer, can also alleviate loneliness and create opportunities for social connection.
- Combat Overindulgence: Exercise can counterbalance those extra holiday calories. Even a simple walk with a friend or family member can contribute to both physical and emotional health.
- Relax and Unwind: Consider treating yourself to a massage. Beyond promoting relaxation, massages reduce stress hormones, alleviate anxiety, and even help combat depression. They also relieve tension, headaches, and other physical discomforts, leaving you refreshed and energized.
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Even if you’re not a year-round yoga enthusiast, mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help you stay grounded. Just 10 minutes of quiet reflection can significantly shift your mood and mindset.
How Can You Support Others?
Helping a loved one who is struggling with holiday-related stress, loneliness, or depression can be challenging. It’s not always easy to understand their feelings or actions. Some people may feel pressured to avoid certain situations or engage in specific behaviors, which can lead to frustration or conflict.
Here are some tips for providing support:
- Be Emotionally Prepared: Ensure you’re in a good emotional place to offer support. If it’s overwhelming for you, enlist help from others who can make a call or visit a friend or family member in need.
- Be Patient and Understanding: Try to accommodate their needs without compromising your own well-being. Support is a delicate balance between helping others and maintaining your own emotional health.
Resources to Help You Thrive
We’ve compiled a range of resources filled with tips, strategies, and advice to help you navigate the holiday season with your mental and physical health intact. These resources include:
- 8 Tips to Reduce Holiday Pressure
- Preventing a Downward Spiral of Mental Health During the Holidays
- Mindfulness Techniques for Managing Negative Feelings
- Stress and Anxiety Management Strategies for High-Pressure Times
- The Role of Massage and Physical Activity in Combatting Stress
- 7 Yoga Poses to Reduce Stress
You can print or download these materials at the following link:
We hope these resources are helpful and wish you a joyful, peaceful, and stress-free holiday season!
