The Five Best Things to Do When You Have Anxiety about the Holidays
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But for many of us, they're also a time of anxiety and stress. If you're feeling anxious about the holidays, here are five things you can do to help ease your mind.
1. Make a list of everything that needs to happen—and then delegate some of those tasks to other people. Just because you're the one hosting the holiday gathering doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Delegate some of the work to your spouse, children, or friends. That way, you can focus on enjoying yourself instead of worrying about everything that needs to be done.
2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Yes, it's important to make sure everything looks great—but it's also important to remember that no one is going to notice if the turkey is a little overcooked or if there are wrinkles in your tablecloth. So relax and enjoy yourself. The holiday season is supposed to be fun, not stressful!
3. Set a budget—and stick to it! One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is overspending. Before starting your holiday shopping, sit down and figure out how much money you can realistically afford. Then, make a list of the people you need to buy gifts for and set a spending limit for each person. That way, you won't have to worry about going into debt just to buy presents for everyone on your list.
4. Take some time for yourself. The holidays can be hectic, so it's important to take some time out for yourself now and then. Whether it's taking a long bath, taking a class in The Deep Center Online Studio, going for a walk in the park, or just sitting down with a good book, make sure you schedule some "me time" into your holiday plans. You'll be glad you did!
5. Reach out to someone who understands what you're going through. If you're feeling overwhelmed by holiday anxiety, reach out to someone who understands what you're going through— whether it's a friend, a family member, or an anxiety coach. Talking about what's making you anxious can help ease your mind and make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone involved.
The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but if you have anxiety about the holidays, it can be even harder to enjoy yourself. However, by following these five tips, you can help ease your anxiety and make this holiday season the best one yet!