Preparing for can be a whirlwind of worries. Some of us feel the holiday pressure more acutely than others. In fact, 62 percent of surveyed mothers and over 40 percent of fathers in the UK consider this time of year to be stressful.
“It’s no surprise that mothers feel the weight of the holiday more. However, everyone suffers from additional due to packed schedules, overwhelming responsibilities, or societal pressure to meet expectations,” noted psychologist Sasha Hall, who specializes in family dynamics.
Experts agree that it’s possible to avoid at least some of the holiday stress. Here’s what you can do to make it easier.
Stick to Your Routine
During the holidays, our usual daily routines often get thrown off. “Maintaining a schedule can reduce and stress caused by added pressure, and it can also help you avoid unhealthy habits like drinking too much wine or overindulging in sweets,” says Dr. Hall.
According to her, it’s crucial to stick to your regular sleep schedule during the holiday season. Disruptions to your sleep can “negatively impact your eating habits and how you cope with stress.”
Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of eating healthy and staying active.
Set Clear Boundaries
From to challenging interactions with difficult family members, this month is packed with complex social situations that can heighten stress. Psychologists assert that the key to managing the hectic holiday season is to establish clear boundaries.
“Setting boundaries is important year-round, but especially during the holidays,” emphasized licensed psychotherapist Sarah Turner.
These boundaries can be temporary, social, emotional, or financial, helping to regulate emotions during these weeks. “Boundaries are always important, but during the Christmas season, we often encounter challenging people we don’t see throughout the year. We feel obligated to engage with them, which can be a test,” explained Ms. Turner.
Dr. Hall added, “It’s important to set boundaries before tension arises. So if you’re attending a family gathering, let them know right away that you’ll only be staying for an hour.”
Manage Expectations
Christmas is all about miracles. When families try to live up to Hollywood’s idealized version of the holiday, stress can easily creep in.
We’ve all seen movies where family members wear matching sweaters and await a miracle. However, while striving for perfection, it’s essential to stay grounded in reality. Although it’s challenging to meet everyone’s expectations (including your own), this process often brings joy. The key is not to overwhelm yourself or become overly anxious.
“Be kind to yourself. Pay attention to your feelings and emotions, as they provide important clues about what you need. If you find yourself feeling down or withdrawing from those around you, resist the temptation to push through. Acknowledge your limits and allow yourself to take a break,” said licensed psychotherapist Ed Conway in an interview with Daily Mail.
If you need to spend a day on the couch binge-watching your favorite series, go for it.
And if feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to a psychologist. Talking to a professional can help you sort through your emotions and guide you back on track.
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