Holiday Anxiety: Navigating Social, Financial, and Family Challenges
The holiday season is often associated with joy and celebration, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many people, putting them in a "daze." In fact, nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults report feeling stressed during the holiday season due to concerns such as financial stress, missing loved ones, and anticipating family conflicts.
Understanding the Triggers
Several factors can contribute to holiday anxiety, including:
Social Anxiety: Social anxiety is a significant fear of being in social situations and/or around people, including worries about being judged or rejected by others or doing or saying something humiliating or embarrassing. The holiday season often involves attending large gatherings and making small talk, which can exacerbate social anxiety.
Financial Stress: Financial concerns are a common cause of stress during the holidays, with 58% of U.S. adults reporting that spending too much or not having enough money to spend causes them stress. To reduce financial stress, consider these tips:
Set expectations with family and friends about gift-giving and spending.
Create a comprehensive budget that includes gifts, food, travel, parties, and charitable donations.
Get creative with low-cost ways to celebrate, such as homemade gifts or organizing a gift exchange.
Family Conflicts: Family gatherings can sometimes lead to personality conflicts, yearly fights, and difficult relatives. To cope with difficult family members during the holidays, try these strategies:
Adjust your attitude and focus on the positive aspects of the gathering.
Have realistic expectations and accept that people may not change their behavior.
Keep potentially upsetting topics off-limits and minimize contact with difficult relatives.
Loneliness: Missing family or loved ones during the holidays can contribute to feelings of loneliness and stress. To combat loneliness during the holiday season, consider these suggestions:
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and seek connection.
Volunteer or participate in community events to meet new people and create a sense of belonging.
Create new traditions or engage in activities that bring you joy and comfort.
Coping Strategies for a Peaceful Holiday Season
While holiday anxiety can be challenging, there are steps you can take to manage your stress and enjoy a more peaceful season. Here are some helpful tips:
Prioritize Self-Care: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make time for hobbies you enjoy.
Set Realistic Expectations: Remember that the holidays don't have to be perfect. Don't be afraid to say no to commitments that feel overwhelming and set realistic expectations for yourself.
Focus on Gratitude: Take some time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can help to shift your focus away from negative thoughts and cultivate a more positive outlook.
Seek Help When Needed: If you're struggling to cope with holiday anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you coping mechanisms and provide support during this challenging time.
CBD: can be used to help deal with anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) is not a “cure-all,” but has been found to dramatically help many dealing with anxiety symptoms. It may help calm you physically as well as mentally. We have explored how CBD helps in other blogs here.
See how these strategies can help you deal with anxiety. If you are interested in using CBD to help, try using between 25-50mg daily for 2-4 weeks. You’ll see a difference and be able to cope with the "Holidaze" better. Our suggestion is to use 1-2 gummies each day. You can get them or other items here.
Remember, you are not alone. Millions of people experience holiday anxiety each year. By understanding the different aspects of holiday anxiety and implementing the tips provided, you can better navigate the challenges and enjoy a happier and more peaceful holiday season.
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