This post is about Christmas stress and anxiety.
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The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy, but for many dealing with anxiety, it can be overwhelming. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore three common mistakes people make during Christmas Eve that exacerbate anxiety and provide practical solutions.
1. Setting Unrealistic Expectations
We all want our Christmas to be perfect but setting unrealistic expectations can cause unnecessary stress.
I love Christmas but with small children, I just won’t be able to get everything done all the time. Delegation is my key to a successful Christmas gathering. Also, I assess what’s really important and if I can’t delegate and can’t get the Christmas task done without stressing out then I just leave it. No one wants a stressed-out mummy at Christmas.
The key to coping is being realistic about your expectations. Finances may be a cause of stress during the holidays. Take a few moments to write down your anticipated expenses, a budget for gifts, travel and special holiday traditions.
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2. Christmas stress and anxiety: Overcommitting and Overwhelm
Saying “yes” to everything puts you in a compromised state of burnout. There may be lots of gatherings and events you’re invited to but be careful to not overdo it. Stepping back and considering which events are most important to attend will stop you from overcommitting at Christmastime.
If you are looking to stop the anxiety around Christmas try these helpful steps:
- Plan ahead
- Set realistic expectations:
- Recognise that perfection is not attainable, and it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned.
- Budget wisely
- Prioritise self-care
- Reach out for support
- Practice mindfulness
- Delegate tasks
- Limit social commitments
- Create boundaries
- Focus on meaning
The best way to avoid getting too busy and stressed during Christmas is to set clear rules. Decide what’s most important, make a plan for your time, and don’t be afraid to say no to extra stuff. Tell your family and friends about your rules, ask for help when you need it, and use apps or notes i n your phone to stay organised.
Because Christmas is usually jam-packed with family visits and activities, it’s worthwhile making sure you have time out just to relax and be in your own space. You might be excited to see someone you haven’t in a while, but not looking forward to spending each waking minute with people.
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3. Neglecting Self-Care
Self-care during the Christmas season is so important because there are many people pulling you in all sorts of directions. You have children wanting Christmas presents, family and relatives wanting to make plans for a gathering and even work that wants you to meet deadlines before the year is out.
All of these things can leave you feeling stressed, anxious and tired. The best thing we can do is fit in self-care whenever possible. Whether it is a cup of tea in the morning while you have alone time for 5 minutes or a bath at night to unwind, find what works for you and what makes you happy.
There definitely is a mind-body connection and when we are physically healthy, we are better equipped to handle anxiety and stress, particularly during the holiday season. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals and exercising are wonderful ways to reduce fatigue, help us concentrate and enhance our overall cognitive functioning.
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Self-care doesn’t have to be about beauty treatments and massages (although they are my favourite), it can be about going for a daily walk, whether that is on your lunch break, or in the mornings before your children wake. It could be sitting down with your favourite book or doing some gardening.
Neglecting self-care can actually worsen your anxiety. This is because the stress builds up and up, to the point where we start to not be able to think straight and our nervous system starts to break down. If you feel that you have overcommitted to things this Christmas, it is okay to change your mind and say that you can attend. Putting yourself first and taking the time you need to recuperate can help you feel more content or relaxed. The holidays can be a happy and relaxing time if you pace yourself and keep your self-care at the forefront of your mind. Remember, you can not give to anyone out of an empty cup. Fill up your emotional cup first so that you can pour your love and joy into those around you during Christmas.
4. Seeking Perfection in Gifts
Seeking perfection in gifts during the holidays is a common source of stress for many of us. We often feel the pressure to find that one perfect item that will make our loved ones’ faces light up with joy. But this desire for perfection can lead to anxiety and frustration, taking away from the joy of giving.
It’s important to realise that the thought and love behind a gift often mean much more than the gift’s price or its level of perfection. Here is how you can reduce stress around gift-giving:
- Realise that the thought and love behind a gift mean more than its price or perfection.
- Avoid stressing over finding the “perfect” gift.
- Take a step back and explore your feelings about gift-giving pressure.
- Recognise how this anxiety may affect your holiday enjoyment.
- Consider alternatives like handmade gifts, experiences, or heartfelt gestures.
5. Coping with Social Pressure When You Have Christmas stress and anxiety
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also bring social anxiety. If the thought of attending holiday gatherings fills you with fear, you’re not alone. We all face the pressure to make every event perfect, but it’s essential to recognise that it’s okay not to be perfect.
For many balancing daily life can be challenging, and the holiday season’s social demands can exacerbate these challenges. Social anxiety during the holidays can have a significant impact on your mental well-being, potentially affecting your overall enjoyment of the season.
Ultimately, the only thing that you can control is your reaction to others. You cannot control that someone might ask you a particular question, or sound condescending or judgemental while doing so. However, you can control the way that you react to it. You can stay calm, deliver your prepared answer, and move the conversation forward.
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Here are practical strategies that can help you navigate these challenges while aligning with your interests in mindfulness, self-improvement, and holistic health.
- Plan ahead
- Set realistic expectations
- Gradually expose yourself to social situations
- Use positive self-talk and seek support
- Prioritise self-care
Final Thoughts:
The three common mistakes that many of us make during the holiday season are seeking perfection in gifts, succumbing to the pressure of attending social gatherings, and neglecting our mental well-being. You can overcome these pitfalls by focusing on the thought and love behind gifts, managing social anxiety with mindful strategies, and nurturing your mental well-being with self-care.
It is possible to experience Christmas without the stress and overwhelm. Make sure you prioritise your mental health. Take a moment to breathe, practice self-compassion, and prioritise your well-being. After all, a happy and healthy you is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and those you care about.
Don’t forget to explore my other blog posts for more tips on personal growth, holistic health, and self-improvement. Be sure to stay connected with me on social media too, where I share even more practical advice, inspiring stories, and a supportive community to help you on your journey. Follow me to join my like-minded community and receive regular updates. Together, let’s make this holiday season one of self-discovery, growth, and well-being.
This post was about Christmas stress and anxiety.