Is it possible for the holiday to be enjoyable? The holiday season is spent with loved ones, family and friends and filled with joy! Right? Or is it? Aren’t the holidays supposed to be enjoyable? Changing schedules and adding tasks and to-dos can bring anxiety during the holidays. Spending time with family or relationships can bring stress. Pair that with the already full schedules of life and it is easy to find yourself burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. People often experience the pressures of the holidays but wished they knew how to slow down and enjoy the season. Is it time to tame the flame of anxiety? Keep reading to discover steps you can take to turn anxiety into enjoyment with family during the holidays.
Anxiety can affect you physically, mentally and emotionally. Recognizing signs that you experience seasonal anxiety can you help you take steps to have a more enjoyable holiday season.
How do I know if holiday anxiety affects me physically?
Signs of physical anxiety during the holiday can vary from person to person. Below are some symptoms that can help you understand if holiday anxiety may affect you.
Heart Racing- Insomnia
- Overeating
- Increased Headaches
- Shortness of Breath
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Increased Alcohol Consumption
Would you like to take an active role in decreasing physical anxiety? Taking a bike ride or walk daily can help your body and mind ease from anxiousness. Volunteering and interacting with people provide fresh changes and new perspective. Being intentional with what you eat and keeping your choices healthy can help stabilize your body systems. Take breaks and physical time for you! Do something that is enjoyable.
Am I affected mentally by the holidays?
Anxiety can show up in different ways. Below are some symptoms that you can experience when the holidays affect you mentally.
- Social Withdrawal
- Excessive Worries
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Racing or Excessive Thoughts
- Loss of Train of Thought
- Dread of Visiting Certain People
Being kind to yourself during the holiday really does improve your thoughts. Recognize when you are stressed and take a step to help you. Is shopping a trigger for you? Do you worry about the budget? Pre-plan a budget, make a list and stick with it. Try writing a few things each day you are truly thankful for and remember that thought throughout the day. Writing even one positive thought of gratitude can improve your mood. Do certain people cause you stress to visit with? Set boundaries and/or time limits with those people who are hard for you.
Why am I more emotional during the holidays?
Our emotions are outpouring of the condition of our bodies. Do your emotions seem to overflow during the holidays? Below are some ways that could help identify if you struggle with emotional anxiety. 
- Crying or Mood Differences
- Feeling Helpless or Hopeless
- Procrastinating Self Care
- Increased Anger
- Depression
- Feelings of Fear
Creating space often for your emotions and giving yourself time to process how you feel is important. You could play some relaxing music. Invite a friend over to share some time. Talk through some of your thoughts. Are you artistic? Take some time to draw or paint or color. Remember to breathe and be present, limiting interruptions and distractions. Create some quiet and calm for yourself, maybe a hot bath or shower. Having a schedule that includes a bedtime can help keep your body systems remain healthy and stable.
Do you desire a more peaceful holiday season, but need help knowing what step to take first?
If getting through the holiday season is tough for you and you need someone to walk you through changing holiday dread, we are here to help.
Upstate Restorative Counseling provides other services that can help you! We provide assistance with counseling in Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Navigating Life Transitions, Resolving Relationship Issues, and Online Therapy. When you are ready, our team is here to support you.
Would you like to take some steps in being intentionally grateful? Check out this blog post for ideas to help.