Coping with Holidays: Simple Ways to Stay Calm

This post is about coping with holidays.

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The holidays can be particularly challenging for those dealing with anxiety.

Social gatherings, family expectations, and the general hustle and bustle can all contribute to increased anxiety levels. Here are some strategies to help you cope.

Coping With Holidays

1. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is my go-to easy and simple way to reduce my anxiety. I love it as you can do it anywhere at any time.

Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening around you—what you hear, feel, and touch. It helps keep you grounded, stopping your thoughts from racing out of control.

I love to do mindful walking, get exercise and also work on my mental health at the same time. It can be very effective.

Here is how to do mindful walking:

Find a quiet place – Pick a safe and calm spot to walk, like a park or your backyard.
Start walking slowly – Take small, gentle steps without rushing.
Pay attention to your breath – Breathe in deeply, then breathe out slowly. Focus on your breathing.
Notice your feet – Feel how your feet touch the ground with each step.
Look around you – Observe what you see, like trees, the sky, or buildings, without thinking too much about them.
Listen to sounds – Focus on what you hear, like birds singing, wind blowing, or your footsteps.
Feel the air – Notice how the air feels on your skin—if it’s cool, warm, or breezy.
Stay in the moment – If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your walking and breathing.
End calmly – When you’re done, stand still for a moment and take a few deep breaths before moving on.

Studies suggest that focusing on the present can have a positive impact on health and well-being. Mindfulness-based treatments have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s also evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure and improve sleep. It may even help people cope with pain.
news in health

2. Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries wasn’t easy for me at first. But once I realised how important they were and how much happier they made me, it became easier.

Whether it is going to fewer events, or choosing who I spend time with, setting boundaries really helps me.

Setting boundaries is essential for your mental health.

Anxiety and stress develop when you take responsibility for others’ emotions, behaviors and thoughts. Many anxieties people experience are due to poor boundaries.
mayo clinic

3. Prepare for Social Situations

If I am experiencing a time of sadness and depression during the holidays (and there have been some over the years), I will organise my social situations in advance. This way I have more control of when and where I meet up with people.

Being social during the holidays is important and it will only make you feel worse laying in bed day after day, so here are simple tips that you can follow to attend social situations when you are feeling down.

10 Simple Tips for Handling Social Events When You’re Feeling Down

Understand Your Feelings – It’s ok to feel sad or stressed. Just know it’s normal and you’re not alone.
Pick Your Events – You don’t need to go to every party. Choose a few that seem manageable.
Plan Your Visit – Think about the event ahead of time. Decide when you want to arrive and how long you want to stay.
Arrive Early – Getting there early can help you feel more comfortable with fewer people around.
Bring Something Familiar – Take along a small item that makes you feel better, like your favourite snack.
Set a Time Limit – Decide how long you’ll stay and stick to it. It’s ok to leave if you need to.
Have a Quick Exit Plan – If you feel overwhelmed, have a simple way to leave. You can say you need to go or have other plans.
Take Breaks – If you start feeling anxious, find a quiet spot to take a few deep breaths and calm down.
Bring a Friend – Having someone you trust with you can make socialising easier and more fun.
Celebrate Your Efforts – Even if you just go for a little while, be proud of yourself for trying. Every small step is a big win!

4. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

When you are feeling low alcohol can make things seem better for a little while but it can easily spiral out of control. You then will make choices you may regret, making your feeling of being low get worse.

Listen to yourself when you need a break from social events. If you’re feeling tired and burnt out, it’s okay to relax and take care of yourself. Stay home, enjoy a hot cup of tea, or make your favourite meal just for you.

Avoid turning to alcohol or too much caffeine to feel better, as they can make things worse. Instead, treat yourself to a bit of shopping if it makes you happy, but be careful not to overspend. And whenever you need, take some quiet time to think and unwind.

I’ve always said, ‘You’ve got to be able to have a glass of wine and enjoy yourself, but you don’t want to do it as a crutch.
Jennifer Aniston

5. Seek Professional Help

If anxiety becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

I can’t say enough how much therapy has helped me over the years. I’ve liked having someone to talk to who helps me sort out my thoughts and keep my mind from going off track.

My therapist has helped me get my life organised and work through tough times. It’s also great to have someone who encourages me to be myself and gives me a fresh, supportive perspective.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychologist. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental.
american psychological association

Final Thoughts

Don’t let others take away your joy this Christmas season.

Coping with the holidays can be challenging enough without extra pressure from people telling you what you should do, how many events to attend, or the “right” way to celebrate.

Focus on what works best for you. Be involved, but make sure to take care of yourself and set boundaries. This will help you enjoy the holidays with peace and happiness.

This post was about coping with holidays.