While the holiday season is often joyful, it can also bring stress and overwhelm. Many of us start to feel overloaded when the pressure to meet expectations, navigate family dynamics, and juggle personal and work obligations intensifies. Here are some practical ways to manage that stress.
- Use coping strategies.
Find the stress-management techniques that work best for you. Mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and cognitive-behavioural strategies are all tools that can help you manage stress in real-time and avoid burnout. - Expect uncomfortable conversations.
Family gatherings and holiday events often bring awkward moments or even potential conflicts. Recognizing in advance that you might face challenging situations can help you approach them with more patience and understanding. By mentally preparing, you can navigate difficult conversations with greater ease and compassion. - Set healthy boundaries.
Prevent overcommitment. Remind yourself that you don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every holiday party. So, put on your elf onesie and spend a night-in curled up on the couch, watching your favourite holiday flicks. Don’t forget — there’s nothing like a cup of hot cocoa and some peppermint bark to recharge your batteries. - Get emotional support.
From grief to anxiety or loneliness, the holidays can bring up difficult emotions. A psychotherapist provides a safe space to express feelings and gain perspective on how to cope with these emotions effectively.
Prioritizing self-care during the holidays is an investment in your emotional well-being. By tending to your own needs, you’ll be better equipped to experience the season with greater calm and resilience.