How To Navigate The Holidays
The holiday season can be a wonderful time to spend with friends and family, yet it can also be a time of considerable stress. Whether you’re navigating loneliness, or you’re feeling anxiety in large family gatherings, here are some ideas to help you navigate the holidays as smoothly as possible!
Holiday Stress
The holidays can be a stressful time. There may be large family gatherings with people you don’t entirely connect with, or you may be alone and wishing for one of those family gatherings that others stress about. Whatever you may be struggling with at this time of year, know that you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the holidays, even if they appear to be outwardly comfortable and content.
Despite the stressors, there are many things to appreciate about this time of year, whether it’s beautiful snow, down time away from work, or the excitement about egg nog finally being restocked (amazing). Even when we’re sad, anxious, embarrassed or whatever else, take some time to notice the beautiful things around you!
How to Navigate Holiday Stress
Some degree of stress will likely be inevitable at this time of year, so roll with difficulties as they arise. As always, it’s okay to be stressed! If you’re finding your stress unmanageable or particularly challenging, here are some ideas to help you navigate the holiday season and family gatherings with *cough* relative ease (yes, pun deeply intended).
Manage expectations. The holidays may be wonderful! And maybe they won’t be! It’s okay for the season to be whatever it will be. Holidays won’t always be completely joyful and stress-free, just as they won’t always be absolutely horrible with nothing of positivity. Notice the positive moments where you can while also giving yourself permission to have anxiety or sadness arise at times.
Prioritize down time. Family can be amazing and family can be a lot, so taking time for yourself away from social gatherings to rest and recharge is important over a long holiday season if you’re feeling drained.
Be mindful with money. Finances can be particularly stressful around the holidays, with pressure to splurge on others or yourself in ways that you wouldn’t normally. Set yourself a comfortable budget for gift-giving and stick to it. Also, with any big-ticket purchases, wait 24 hours before making the purchase to see if you still really want the item.
Practice gratitude. There are many things to be grateful for all through the year, and the holidays are no exception. Find gratitude for the weather, activities, your financial or employment stability, your community, and everything else you have experienced and been given in your life.
Set boundaries when you need to. Get comfortable saying no! We don’t have to accept every invitation we receive or finish every conversation that people start with us.
Focus on uplifting social connections. Having more social activities over the holidays usually just comes with the territory, COVID restrictions notwithstanding. Try to spend time consciously with people who make you feel uplifted and supported, and give yourself permission to limit contact with those who don’t.
Generate compassion for others, particularly when you disagree. Arguments with friends or family with whom you disagree can become more frequent over the holidays just by virtue of spending more time with more distant social connections. Try and see the value in and perspective of the other people with whom you disagree. Remind yourself that, just like you, they’re doing their best to navigate a difficult and stressful world as best they can.
Practice generosity by volunteering or donating to causes that matter to you. Caring for and giving to others not only benefits the recipients but can also provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction for the giver.
Watch your alcohol and other drugs. The holidays can be a time for overindulgence, particularly of alcohol. Current Canadian alcohol guidelines recommend less than 15 standard drinks a week for men and 10 for women, with at least two alcohol-free days. More recent international guidelines are recommending even less, with the ideal amount of alcohol being none at all. If you’re drinking, set goals for yourself about how much and when and stick to those.
WG Psychology
WG Psychology is a psychology and psychotherapy clinic based in Toronto that helps people live more connected, purposeful lives through compassionate, evidence-based mental health support. Connect with us to see if we’re a fit for you!
Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy. The information provided is general and may not be appropriate for your particular mental health needs. Always consult a qualified health professional to discuss your personal needs and goals.