20 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress From an Anxiety Therapist
20 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress From an Anxiety Therapist
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
Managing holiday stress often begins with recognizing how much tension builds in your body and mind during this time of year. It can be hard to relax when you’re hosting family, preparing meals, keeping up with traditions, or giving your time and energy in so many different directions.
As an Anxiety therapist in Orlando whose area of skill is in anxiety management, I have gotten to know many techniques that my past and present clients use to unwind. This week, I am going to share my top ways to de-stress this holiday season, which will help transform your holidays this year (and every other year).
If burnout feels more like what you're experiencing, I also have a separate article on holiday burnout. This one focuses specifically on holiday stress and the simple ways you can manage the tension and anxiety that show up during the season.
Get Yourself into a Positive Holiday Mindset - Holiday Stress Relief Strategies
1. Accept Imperfection.
If your children aren’t posing just as you imagined in your holiday photos, does that mean the photo is ruined? Or has a new, beautiful moment of your family just been captured? Learning to embrace imperfection can help reduce holiday stress and anxiety. Techniques for managing perfectionism and anxiety, like those in How to Manage Perfectionism and Anxiety, can make a big difference for you this holiday season!
2. Don’t lose sight of what really counts.
Is the focus of your weekend to have your house all decked out with the latest Christmas decorations, or is it to enjoy quality family time?
3. Keep your regular routine.
This allows consistency, helps you continue to do things that make you feel good, and avoids feelings of shame and guilt, like when you’ve eaten dessert for the third night in a row or drank too much at the Christmas party.
4. Eat healthy.
Here is a list of foods that help ease anxiety and stress.
5. Focus on the present.
It’s easy to get caught up in worries about what’s next or how things “should” go during the holidays. Practicing mindfulness and being aware of your thoughts and surroundings can help you stay grounded. Understanding how social media fuels holiday loneliness can also give insight into why you may feel pressure or comparison, and offer strategies to refocus on the moment.
6. Do a small act of kindness.
This can help redirect you back to your values, what is most important to you, and help you not lose sight of what really counts this holiday. Want thoughtful gift ideas that support mental well-being? Look at the list of 10 Gift Ideas for People With Anxiety for inspiration that’s both meaningful and mindful.
Get it Done - Organizing for Less Stress During the Holidays
7. Make a date with a bestie.
Do errands together, that way you can be productive with great company.
8. Make a to-do list with all your tasks.
Group like tasks together so you are maximizing your time. Add your engagements to a calendar that you check daily. Putting everything on paper often helps you let go of the thought without worrying about forgetting it. If you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed by decisions during the holidays, it may be a sign of decision fatigue. To learn more about why this happens and how to move through it, check out What Causes Indecisiveness (and How to Overcome It).
Get Physical - Movement to Ease Stress During the Holidays
9. Dance party.
Solo or with company. In the kitchen or in your bedroom. Whoever you’re with and wherever you are, dance the stress out!
10. Exercise.
Getting your body moving, even for just 20 minutes, can help release built-up tension and improve your mood during the holidays. If you’re local to Orlando, practicing mindful movement at a place like Orlando Power Yoga combines exercise with breath and focus, helping you feel grounded and more present as you navigate holiday stress.
11. Take a walk outside.
Breathe in some fresh air and get your body moving. Whether you go on an hour walk in the forest or a 15-minute walk around your neighborhood, you are still getting your body active in fresh air.
12. Laugh!
Take the opportunity to be silly. Go to a local stand-up comedy show, or watch your favorite show’s bloopers on YouTube. Get those giggles out!
Take Moments of Self-care - Tips for Mental Health During the Holidays
13. Take yourself out for a facial, manicure, or pedicure.
Indulge in some relaxation to ground yourself. If you’re on a budget, get a face mask from your local drug store and a new color of nail polish. A DIY spa day still does the trick! For more ideas and a deeper look at how self‑care supports your well‑being, Everything You Need to Know About Self‑Care.
14. Focus on Gratitude.
For the last 3 weeks, I have been talking about Gratitude with Attitude. Essentially, it is being grateful for what you have in life. Gratefulness sets your mindset to positive and therefore leads to happiness! To dive deeper, check out Gratitude With Some Attitude: Part 1.
15. Meditate.
The biggest benefits of meditation are reduced stress and anxiety. Put on your comfiest clothes, get yourself into a quiet room, and follow my guided meditations to calm your body and mind.
16. Journal.
For some people, being able to write all their thoughts on paper is a great way to release the energy they hold in their mind and body. If you’re looking for ideas to get started, check out our guide: New Year, New You: 100 Journaling Prompts for Personal Reflection and Growth, a helpful resource especially around this season when reflection and setting intentions tend to go hand-in-hand.
17. Read a book.
Reading can help bring your focus elsewhere and offer a little escape from the stressful feelings that may be brewing inside you. Try to find a book that has a good storyline, as opposed to a self-help book (for the purpose of de-stressing). If you’d like ideas on using reading to support your mental health and set intentions for the new year, check out New Year, New Book: A Guide from an Anxiety Therapist.
18. Drink tea.
It is a simple way to unwind after a long day, and it is great alone or with a partner. At the end of the day, try making a hot cup of tea for you and your partner and ask them about their day. The small connection between sipping on some hot tea and taking an interest in your partner can go a long way to help you stay grounded this holiday season.
19. Take a bath.
Set the mood for yourself to release the tension in your muscles. Run yourself some hot water, add in some bubbles, light some candles, and play some slow music.
20. Aromatherapy.
A natural way to relieve stress and anxiety this holiday season. For the most benefit, add essential oil into a diffuser or place some diluted drops onto your skin. Some of the most effective scents to help relieve stress and anxiety are Lavender, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Rose.
These are common strategies to de-stress over the holidays. You may have to try a few before you find the one that works best for you; you can even try combining a couple of strategies together for an ultimate de-stress session. For example, you could go for a walk, take a hot bath, then make a hot cup of tea and sit down to read a book. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
Ready to Start Holiday Stress Therapy?
Are you prepared to start your journey to manage holiday stress or stress in general? Our therapists at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando are here to support you in finding peace in your everyday life.
Additional Holiday Stress Therapy Resources
21 Ways to Reduce Anxiety During the Holidays
Anxiety Therapist Shares: 10 Tips for Dealing With Difficult Family during the Holidays
Anxiety Therapy Orlando: Setting Boundaries to Manage Holiday Stress
Anxiety Therapist Shares: Gift Ideas for People With Stress and Anxiety
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
Mindful Living Counseling offers a range of therapy options. We offer Anxiety Therapy, Toxic Relationship Counseling, EMDR Therapy, Teen Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, and Guided Meditation. We also offer Guided Meditations. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
About the Owner of Mindful Living Counseling
Lauran Hahn, LMHC, is an Orlando-based therapist who helps clients navigate anxiety, holiday stress, and the challenges that come with family dynamics. She also specializes in setting healthy boundaries and supporting clients in healing from toxic or challenging relationships. Lauran is dedicated to guiding her clients toward feeling calm in their bodies, at peace in their minds, and more connected in their relationships, helping them create balance and well-being in everyday life.