How to Calm Anxiety During the Holidays
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The holidays can be a wonderful time, as we decorate our homes, listen to holiday music, and gather with our loved ones. We gather with our family and loved ones to seek joy and feel love. But for many, the holiday season can bring up a lot of stress and anxiety. The holidays can especially triggering for those of us who don't have the best relationship with our families and experience financial anxiety. Understanding our triggers in advance can help us to better cope and experience more enjoyment during the holiday season. In this blog, I will explore different things that you can do to feel more grounded if you experience increased anxiety during this time of year.
1. Develop & Stick to a Budget
It is normal for many to experience stress and anxiety related to finances during the holidays. By creating and maintaining a budget for gatherings and gifts, this can help to ease feelings of anxiety connected to finances.
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2. Plan Menus for Gatherings in Advance & Shop Efficiently
The stores are chaotic this time of year. By planning your menus and shopping lists in advance, you can avoid crowds and last minute stress due to procrastination. If crowds make you anxious, plan to shop during store hours that are less busy.
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3. Set Time Aside for Exercise
It is so easy to fall off of healthy routines during the holidays. By staying active at least 2-3 times per week, this can help to ease anxious symptoms.
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4. Make Rest a Priority
When we are sleep deprived, we can experience a spike in our anxious symptoms. Make sure to set time aside for rest and repair.
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5. Set Boundaries When Necessary
For many that don't have the best relationships with their families, the holidays can especially be triggering. Set boundaries with loved ones when needed.
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6. Spend Time Outside
Spending time outdoors has been linked to cognitive benefits, mood improvements, emotional well-being, and overall mental health.
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