We often build up the holiday season as a magical time of year. There are memories, special traditions, and big expectations. But for many, these go hand in hand with an increase in stress, anxiety, and even depression. In fact, 3 in 5 Americans say their mental health is worse during the holidays.
What can you do about it? Some tips:
Know your limits. Try to recognize your limits ahead of time, whether it’s time, money, emotional energy, or all the above. Set goals that respect those limits. Maybe that’s a budget for gifts or a rule that you’ll only say “yes” to one extra thing per week.
Avoid feeling overwhelmed. If crowds make you feel anxious, a little extra planning can help you avoid them while still doing the holiday things you love. For example, do your shopping during the week when stores are less crowded. Or go to a party right when it starts, and limit how long you stay.
Take care of yourself. It can be easy to push off your own needs when things get busy. But protecting your health helps you manage extra stress throughout the year. Try to carve out time for a few minutes of exercise each day. Avoid skipping meals. Look for ways to nurture yourself, whether it’s savoring a hot drink, taking a bath, or catching up with a loved one.
Accept your feelings—good and bad. Many people struggle with grief during the holidays. But even if some parts of the holiday are sad, it’s OK to find joy in the present. Try getting together with loved ones to share memories about those you’re missing.
Prioritize your mental health. There are lots of ways to take care of your mental health, from practicing self-care to getting professional help. If holiday stress builds into constant anxiety that keeps you from living your life the way you want, it may be related to another mental health issue, like panic attacks or PTSD symptoms. In that case, treatment can help.
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Freespira is an at-home treatment for panic attacks and PTSD symptoms that can relieve symptoms in just a month. Freespira doesn’t require medication or visits to a health care provider. It has low to no side effects and is safe to use with most other medical treatments. See if it’s right for you by checking your symptoms using our online screener.
