The holiday season is supposed to be a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness. However, for many, interacting with relatives can feel stressful and chaotic. The thought of attending family gatherings or hosting holiday events can fill you with anxiety, dread, and worry. At Clearheart, anxiety counselling in Vancouver can help teach you how to cope with these feelings and create a more enjoyable holiday season. This blog can help ease your holiday anxiety by providing tips on setting boundaries and coping with family visits.
What is holiday anxiety?
Holiday anxiety is a common phenomenon, especially for those who dread family gatherings or social events. The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience, financial stress, and increased social obligations can contribute to feelings of overwhelm. Whatever the reason, anxiety counselling in Vancouver can help! In fact, a recent national poll revealed that 37% of Canadians, or roughly two out of five, are worried about not being able to manage the financial burden of the season (Mental Health Research Canada, 2023).
Family Visits: The Holiday Anxiety Trigger
Family gatherings often evoke mixed emotions during the holiday season. While many look forward to spending time with loved ones, prolonged exposure to relatives can be overwhelming.
Family visits can trigger anxiety in several ways:
- Unrealistic expectations and pressure to create the “perfect holiday”
- Resurfacing old or awkward conflicts with family members
- Fear of judgment from relatives
- Loss of control due to a disruption in routine
- Emotional triggers that bring up past traumas or old insecurities
Identifying potential sources of holiday anxiety is the first step toward preparing for and managing it. If you relate to any of the above points, keep reading for tips on reducing holiday stress.
Coping Mechanisms to Reduce Holiday Anxiety
The holiday season can be overwhelming, but a few simple coping mechanisms can help you regain control and reduce anxiety.
Be Proactive
Prepare for potential triggers during family visits and gatherings by identifying what topics or situations tend to cause anxiety and create a plan for handling them.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. It can help improve mental health, enhance sleep, increase resilience, and—most importantly—reduce stress.
Surround Yourself with Support
Before embarking on a family visit, assess who will be present and connect with a close friend or partner. Share your feelings and concerns with this person before and after the event.
Take Time for Yourself
Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your limits, especially during family gatherings. Make time for yourself during these events to prevent anxiety from building.
Practice Moderation with Alcohol
A drink may seem like a quick way to calm holiday anxiety, but excessive alcohol consumption can worsen anxiety or lead to regrettable decisions.
Setting Boundaries During the Holidays
After considering your coping mechanisms, it’s time to set boundaries. Establishing limits is crucial for protecting your mental health during the holiday season (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2022).
Healthy Boundaries with Relatives:
- Focus on traditions or activities that bring you joy.
- Set limits and be clear about how long you can stay at events or host family and friends.
- Pick your battles and avoid sensitive topics.
- Permit yourself to say NO to things.
- Tell your family when you need time alone to reset.
How Anxiety Counselling in Vancouver Can Help You This Holiday Season
If holiday anxiety is a persistent issue, consider booking a counselling session with one of our Clearheart professionals. Anxiety counselling in Vancouver offers a wealth of tips and techniques for managing holiday stress and improving your mental health. It can help you identify triggers, develop coping skills, improve communication and offer emotional validation.
Book holiday anxiety counselling in Vancouver now!
Key Takeaways This Holiday Season
Holiday anxiety is normal, especially when it comes to family gatherings. However, by using coping mechanisms like mindfulness, planning, and setting boundaries, you can help prevent anxiety and stress from ruining your holiday season. Not everyone will understand or agree with your boundaries or choices, but prioritizing your well-being is crucial for a healthier and happier holiday season.
Are you anxious about the holidays? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of family gatherings? Book anxiety counselling in Vancouver at Clearheart to help you prepare for the holiday season.
References:
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2022, December 5). Five ways to protect your mental health this holiday. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://cmha.ca/news/five-ways-to-protect-your-mental-health-this-holiday/
Mental Health Research Canada. (2023). Understanding the mental health of Canadians through COVID-19 and beyond: Poll #18 [Abridged version]. Retrieved December 2023, from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f31a311d93d0f2e28aaf04a/t/6577533ac96e467d602cbcf3/1702318907067/Poll+18+-+Abridged+version.pdf