The holidays bring celebrations, parties, joy, and cheer – but for some, they also bring stress, depression, and anxiety. The holiday season can be a challenging time, especially if you’re lonely, financially strapped, clashing with your family, or overloaded with shopping, errands, and social engagements. The following articles offer advice you can use to make it to the new year without having a meltdown.
Keeping your stress levels in check during the holidays |
 Between shopping, decorating, cooking, visiting friends and family, hosting house guests, and juggling a busy calendar of parties and events – it’s no wonder that stress skyrockets in December!
Here are some tips for managing holiday stress:
- Schedule your time wisely. Plan ahead for any errands or important activities.
- Be realistic. Rather than trying to pull off the “perfect” holiday, focus on what’s truly important.
- Don’t add to holiday stress by overspending. Set a shopping budget – and stick to it.
- Spend time with supportive, positive people (these people may or may not be your family members)
- Make time for yourself, even if it’s just fifteen minutes each day to relax and regroup.
For more stress-busting strategies you can use year round, check out Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
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What to do when a friend or family member has the holiday blues |
 The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. For some people, however, the holidays make them feel even more isolated, hopeless, and depressed. Many things can contribute to the holiday blues, including unrealistic expectations, fights with family members, financial strain, and year-end reflection on past losses and disappointments.
Some of the signs that a loved one may be depressed include:
- Withdrawing from others
- Avoiding usual activities
- Excessive drinking
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- Irritability or moodiness
- Overeating
- Sleep problems
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For more on the warning signs and how you can help, see Helping a Depressed Person: Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting a Loved One. |
Are you anxious about the holiday spending season? |
 Given the current credit crunch and global recession, it’s understandable if the added financial pressure of gift giving is giving you anxiety. Worrying about money is normal – especially in these troubled times. However, if financial fears are keeping you up at night, interfering with your work, or provoking panic attacks, you may have an anxiety disorder. The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable. Therapy, self-help, and simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
To learn more, see Anxiety Attacks and Disorders: Guide to the Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options. |
Harnessing the power of your emotions |
 Being in touch with your emotions is essential to navigating the ups and downs of the holiday season and other high-stress times. When you possess a moment-to-moment awareness of your feelings and how they influence your actions, you’re able to communicate effectively, connect with others, resolve conflicts in a positive way, and handle stress without breaking down.
The three Helpguide articles to the right provide hands-on tools for improving emotional health. By learning to recognize and use your emotions, you’ll improve the way you think, feel, act, and relate to others. |
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