Managing Holiday Anxiety

It’s almost time for the winter holidays, and for many, ‘tis the season to be jolly. But with everything going on in the world, not everyone may be in the festive spirit.

Even in the best of times, the December holidays can leave some of us feeling a little blue. For those without loved ones, food, and good cheer, the winter festivities can seem a bit empty. And for those who do observe the celebrations, Christmas can become a blur of to-dos, to-bakes, and to-buys. Either way, it gets a little crazy for everyone.

Finding Joy

But in 2020, that regular holiday anxiety is amplified ten-fold. The year we’re putting behind us was—and still is—packed with stress and strain. We want to be able to move on, be happy, and forget about our troubles for a little while. 

So why are the holidays so difficult? 

• With the days getting shorter and darker, many individuals experience SAD, a scientifically proven problem called ‘seasonal affective disorder.’ Lack of sunlight is attributed to depressive symptoms, making winter feel pretty miserable.

• Holiday stereotypes build up some pretty unrealistic expectations, and sometimes reality can be a bit of a letdown. You might feel a lot of pressure to organize a perfect “Hallmark Christmas,” which inevitably leads to overcommitment and unnecessary stress.

• Not everyone has a big, happy family to send cards to and spend the holidays with. All the seasonal cheer can be an unpleasant reminder for some that not everyone is blessed with a tight-knit group of loved ones. Loneliness, anxiety, and depression at this time of year can be devastating without others to share it with.

• To top it all off, Christmas often marks a time when we cast aside our healthy routines. Eating healthy, exercising, sleeping, and drinking in moderation often fall by the wayside, taxing our mental health.

Solutions for Holiday Stress

How can we cope with holiday stress?

• This year especially, it’s important to be realistic about everything—what we can spend, who we can see, and what we can do. Know that things will be different, but it’s not always going to be that way. 

• If you’re feeling stressed or depressed, don’t try to push your feelings away for the sake of being cheerful. Acknowledge your emotions, both positive and negative, and don’t be afraid to express yourself. If you’re grieving over what feels like a year lost, take the time to grieve. Be honest with your emotions now, so they don’t fester later. 

• Try to maintain some semblance of a regular routine, but remember that it’s okay to enjoy yourself and cut loose.

• Reach out to your loved ones, especially if they’re far away. If there’s anything we’ve learned this year, it’s how to connect remotely, so put those skills to good use. After all, the winter holidays aren’t about what you have; they’re about who you have.

We know these winter holidays won’t be business as usual, but take the time to enjoy your blessings, whatever they may be. And if you need some business support to take the pressure off, Fusion Workplaces is here to help. Reach out today to learn more. Happy Holidays!