The Holidays Can Be Triggering: Here’s How To Recognize Five Common Stressors And Cope With Them To Save Your Mental Health
Although the holiday season is known for being the most wonderful time of the year, filled with fun, festivities, food, and family, it is also natural for people to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or sad because of it.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid all the hustle and bustle that the month of December always brings. The gift shopping, cooking, and entertaining can leave you caught up in a swarm of competing demands.
As a result, your well-being in the wintertime may not be so great. Here are five common holiday-related stressors and some tips on how to cope with them so that you can get through the season enjoyably.
Unreasonable Expectations
During the holiday season, there is a lot of internal and external pressure to make sure that everything is picture-perfect and memorable. The holidays are also associated with rituals, traditions, and expectations, so you may feel obligated to maintain a certain standard year after year. And when you don’t think you’ve measured up, that just adds another layer of stress to the season.
However, it’s important to let go of perfection in order to preserve your mental health. You don’t need to do every related activity if you don’t think they’re fun or if they don’t make you happy. Envision your ideal celebration, and then assess your current situation. Instead of trying to accomplish it all, focus on the parts you actually want to incorporate into the holiday.
Furthermore, don’t forget to prioritize yourself! If you’re dealing with burnout and exhaustion, don’t be afraid to say no to things and set boundaries around your personal time.
Food Concerns
Holiday gatherings typically involve lots of food. For those with special dietary needs or any kind of negative relationship with food, the focus on food can be stressful. To make it even worse, there’s usually a pushy but well-meaning relative who won’t take no for an answer when offering food. Or there might be family members making comments on your body and eating habits.
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Remind your family that these things are not an appropriate topic of discussion, especially around the dinner table. Be mindful of what you’re eating, and if you know you’ll have limited food options, bring a dish of your own. Remember that it’s okay to skip the holiday meal—just make sure to eat beforehand.
Family Get-Togethers
If you have a big family, chances are that you might not get along with everyone attending the get-together. Events with a large number of people can also be draining. The holidays bring up strong feelings and may lead to conflicts. Perhaps you have some family members who don’t agree with your beliefs or lifestyle and start an argument about it every time they see you. This can cause the holidays to become a bitter experience.
Boundaries are essential in these circumstances. If you’re feeling stressed or pressured by what someone is saying to you, keep in mind that it’s not necessary to engage in the conversation. You can politely remove yourself from the situation whenever you feel disrespected or uncomfortable.
Financial Stress
The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones, but they’re also about gifts, which means spending money. Plus, there are new outfits, food and drinks, and travel costs to consider. The expenses can really add up, and you may feel stretched to your limits. To avoid breaking the bank, stick to your budget. If you can’t afford to do certain things, be honest with the people you’re spending time with.
You can make more affordable plans, like having a movie night at home, admiring the Christmas lights around the neighborhood, or connecting through video chat instead of traveling. As for gifts, tap into your creative side and hand-make some art or jewelry. It can help cut costs and be more meaningful than a store-bought present.
Feelings of Sadness And Loneliness
For many, this time of year may remind you of a traumatic event, rocky relationships with family, or the loss of a loved one. Either way, the holidays can be sad and lonely. These feelings are normal, and it’s okay to feel them. Just because it’s the holidays, that doesn’t mean you have to be in a happy mood at all times.
Engaging in hobbies you enjoy, such as reading, watching movies, or crafting, can take your mind off the loneliness and lift your spirits. Additionally, spending time with people who make you feel supported and loved can help boost your mood, even if it’s just through the phone.
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