Buying presents for hard-to-please relatives? Check. An overloaded social schedule? Check. Crazy traffic? Check. Really high expectations to meet? Check. No, this isn’t a recipe for a beloved family Christmas dish. It’s a list of common ingredients that often make up the holiday stress that comes this time of year.
Like it or not, holiday stress is usually an annual event that begins to percolate after Halloween and continues on through New Year’s. If you let it get the best of you, holiday stress can sometimes lead to mental health struggles and even substance abuse. But there are better ways to approach managing holiday stress—one that can help you find the peace and joy we all want this season.
So Why Are the Holidays So Stressful?
Many studies and findings confirm what we already know: the holidays can be a stressful time. According to one survey, shares Harvard Medical School, 62% of people said their stress levels were very or somewhat elevated during the holidays. Another survey by the American Heart Association found that 63% of people felt that holiday season is more stressful than tax season (ouch!). And 51% of respondents shared that it takes them weeks to feel less stressed after the holidays, with some taking more than a month to recover.
Yet why are the holidays so stressful? For some, they end up neglecting their own needs during the holidays, leading to stress. The American Heart Association survey shared that 79% of people are so focused on creating special moments for others that they overlook their own needs. Eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are some of the top practices that fall by the wayside during the holiday season.
Financial concerns, distance from loved ones, and anticipated family conflicts are also big stressors for many people. The holidays also have a tendency to put extra time burdens on our shoulders, whether it’s work deadlines, your children’s school obligations, or Christmas shopping. In time, it’s easy to feel worn out, tired, and full of holiday stress.
The friends and family that you encounter at Christmastime can also bring about holiday stress. The idea of going home for Christmas can be downright stressful, even stirring up lingering childhood trauma (if you think you may have undiagnosed childhood trauma, take our free childhood trauma test here). Relationships can also generate pressure to meet lofty expectations, please others, or make everything as good as it was when you were a kid. Sound familiar?
Poor Holiday Stress Management
So what happens when you experience holiday stress? Often, stress can cause physical issues like headaches, muscle tension, and stomach issues. You may struggle with irritability and insomnia when you’re stressed. Holiday stress and mental health often intertwine, leading to anxiety and the holiday blues, compounding your stress further.
Unfortunately, some people can engage in unhealthy holiday stress management in response. With all the holiday gatherings and heavy drinking (an especially tough time for those in recovery trying to stay sober at parties) around, it’s easy to seek out substances to self-medicate. Others may watch porn, chronically masturbate, or engage in binge eating to cope. However, these coping mechanisms only provide temporary relief. And substances often exacerbate the symptoms of any underlying mental health issues, too. Before long, some may find themselves struggling with substance abuse or addiction as a result of holiday stress.
Better Ideas for Managing Holiday Stress This Season
The gift of mental health struggles or addiction is nowhere to be found on anyone’s holiday wish list. In the face of oncoming holiday stress, it’s important to have some good holiday stress management techniques at the ready to keep you healthy. If you want to maintain peace of mind this holiday season, here are some better ways to navigate any seasonal stress:
Open Up to Trusted Loved Ones
If you’re dealing with holiday stress, don’t go it alone. Share your struggles with a trusted friend or family member. Not only does opening up help stress to subside, but it also allows you to receive much-needed support from people who care about you.
Embrace Flexibility
No one’s holiday season is perfect. Remember that. Even though you may have plans and desires for the holiday season, it’s best to prepare for them to change. Instead of stressing over your schedule, adopt a posture of flexibility when plans need to be adjusted. You’ll feel better in the long run and may experience some fun surprises along the way.
Prioritize Yourself, Too
Calendars easily fill up during the holidays, so schedule some time in advance for yourself. Make it a point to relax and do something that fills you up in the midst of all the busyness. This may mean missing out on certain activities and social outings, but it’ll help you keep stress at bay.
Practice Self-Care
Though so many others are skipping out on healthy pursuits and overindulging, it’s best to do just the opposite. Yes, you can still get in on some yuletide cheer, but make sure you’re keeping up with sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and rest throughout it all. Self-care helps you mentally and physically so that stress doesn’t take as much of a toll.
Seek Therapy
Don’t let mental health stigma get in the way of enjoying your holiday season. As the Christmas rush unfolds, getting therapy or professional support for your stress can help you to combat it in a healthy way.
Holiday Stress: Addiction and Mental Health Treatment in Nashville
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, addiction, or mental health challenges as the holiday season approaches, we can help at Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. Our treatment programs help you reclaim your life from mental health disorders, sexual addiction, alcohol or drug abuse, and more. To get started, contact our team today.
The post How to Handle Holiday Stress Better This Year appeared first on Integrative Life Center.
source https://integrativelifecenter.com/dual-diagnosis/how-to-handle-holiday-stress-better-this-year/
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