If you’re feeling stressed out about the holidays, you’re not alone.
In fact, a 2023 survey found that 63 percent of adults find the festive season more stressful than tax season. More than half also said it takes them weeks to de-stress once this time of the year has passed.
The holidays can be stressful for many reasons: They can place a strain on finances, or you could feel pressure to create special moments for loved ones. Schedules can get over-booked, and healthy habits might take a backseat.
It’s no coincidence that according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 52% of Canadians report feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation during the holiday season.
And while you can’t eliminate stress altogether, there are some things you can do to help minimize its impact.
Focus on what brings you joy
It can be easy to make the holiday season all about what makes other people happy. You might say yes to too many invitations or focus all your energy on making sure your loved ones have a magical time. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and even exhausted.
Instead, experts at UC Davis Health suggest prioritizing your own joy this holiday season.
“Figure out what you really enjoy versus what you feel you’re supposed to do,” they recommend. “Focus the majority of your energy and time on activities that are fun for you. Do your best to limit or avoid those activities that are less enjoyable.”
Set boundaries
Whether it’s creating a budget so you don’t overspend on gifts or saying no to a holiday party invite when your social battery is running low, setting boundaries can be a great way to manage stress.
“Establishing boundaries can prevent and combat burnout, and restore balance to peoples’ lives,” says the University of Rochester Medical Centre. “Boundaries are a form of self-care.”
Take care of yourself
“The better rested and healthier you feel, the more resilient you can be in dealing with stress,” say the experts at Workplace Strategies For Mental Health.
Some of the ways they suggest you can look after your health include: Making healthy food choices, moving your body, and getting enough sleep.
Finances can also be a common source of stress, especially over the holiday season. Consider doing an end of year “financial health check” to make sure you’re taking care of your financial wellbeing too.