Christmas: The Season of Anxiety
Christmas and the New Year can be such a joyous time for many. But for others, the festive season can bring up feelings of sadness, overwhelm and anxiety. Add in the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the prolonged uncertainty that has affected everyone in some way or another in 2020, it would be no surprise if you are heading into Christmas with a different mindset than usual.
You may be struggling with the idea of having to face a large family gathering or the obligation of spending time with people who don't make you feel that great. Or perhaps this year you are apart from loved ones, maybe even facing a Christmas alone. You may be fretting about how to afford presents for your children. Or maybe grappling with the idea of your first Christmas after losing a loved one. There are many reasons why your anxiety might be more heightened than normal around this time, especially given the global events of the past twelve months.
Know that you are not alone
Anxiety, the most prevalent mental health concern, describes a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can range from mild to severe. We all experience it to some degree and it's not always unhelpful; It can strive us to organise and prepare for future events. However, problematic anxiety can arise when our thinking about future events becomes consistently and repeatedly negative. For example, predicting and expecting the worst even in the absence of evidence to support this prediction.
STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ANXIETY IN THE FESTIVE SEASON
There are ways you can manage anxiety and overwhelm and find enjoyment in the occasion. Below are some strategies on how to maximise your emotional resilience and minimise your emotional turmoil during the festive season.
01 | Keep Some Routine
Routine grounds us and helps us feel in control, thus reducing anxious feelings. Of course routines will look different over the holidays but try to maintain at least some of your regular activities, especially those which enhance your mood and mental state.
02 | Pace Yourself
Reduce the risk of overwhelm by planning in advance, setting yourself realistic goals, sticking to those goals and delegating tasks where possible.
03 | Don't Over Indulge
Whilst it's tempting to 'treat' yourself over the festive period, be mindful of how food impacts your mood. Too much sugar, alcohol and processed food can cause us to peak and crash and often impacts negatively on our emotions.
04 | Make Time for You
Make sure you put your needs first from time to time! Have a nap, watch a movie whilst someone cooks you dinner or take a long bath with some nice toiletries! Be sure to practice some self-preservation and be kind to yourself.
05 | Get Enough Sleep
Not enough sleep or even too much sleep can be detrimental to our mood. Try, as best as possible, to maintain your regular bedtime and bedtime routines.
06 | Reframe Negative Thoughts
Ask yourself questions to challenge or reframe negative thoughts. For example, what is the evidence for your thought? Is there another, more realistic, way of seeing things?
07 | Practice Mindfulness
Even 5-10 minutes of mindfulness practice each day can help to keep you grounded, calm and relaxed. Download the Headspace or Calm app for guided sessions on reducing stress, anxiety and overwhelm.
08 | Keep Active
Whilst it's tempting to stay cosy on the sofa, some exercise will do wonders for your mood and help to regulate your emotions. Take a walk, do an online stretch class or put some festive tunes on and dance!
09 | Talk About It
Don't bottle up uncomfortable emotions; they will find a way to come out! Chat with someone you trust about any negative feelings you may be experiencing. If there's no such person in your immediate support network, reach out to a professional.
10 | Rest
Be sure to get plenty of rest, relaxation and sleep during the holidays. Physical exhaustion can lead to us feeling less able to cope with anxiety and overwhelm. Gift yourself an early night, a nice lie in or just 5 minutes to yourself whenever you can.
'It’s almost time to switch from my normal anxiety to my fancy Christmas anxiety.'- Unknown
STILL STRUGGLING?
If you’ve tried the above strategies and still fell anxious, or perhaps you feel too overwhelmed to even think about instigating them, consider professional support to help you navigate this festive season, and beyond. Click the link below to access evidence-based mental health information and self-help resources ⋒