6 Tips to cope with holiday stress

Art by Kalie Yang

While the holiday season is traditionally a time of joy and family reunions, the season carries several stresses with it; some hidden behind the lights and merriment. To cope with this stress, here are some tips on protecting your mental health and enjoying the holidays with your family. 

1) Challenge the thinking that stresses you  

Certain thinking patterns that can occur during the holiday season contribute to stress. Hence, question the ‘Shoulds’—unrealistic demands we place on ourselves and or that others place upon you.  Also, avoid catastrophizing (focusing on the worst possible scenario), when things don't go well. 

2) Set your priorities

Before you get overwhelmed by too many activities, it is important to decide which traditions will have the most positive impact and eliminate extra activities. For example, baking, shopping, sending cards, if visiting relatives or doing other activities overwhelms you and exhausts you, check your priorities, pick a few activities you like, and enjoy them while skipping the rest.

3) Self-care

Schedule self-care activities on your calendar. Making time for exercise, naps, and reading can help you stay positive during the holiday season.

4) Change your expectations for togetherness

Have a personal plan for coping with family gatherings. Decide ahead of time how you will approach certain people, what limits you will set on your interactions, what your role will be during the visit, and when to say goodbye. If you are new to setting boundaries, here’s a quick guide that can help you set personal boundaries. 

5) Practice gratitude

Choose something to do as a family or by yourself that helps others. Look for clothes in your closet and bring them to shelters or clothing collections. If you have kids, look for things they can actively participate in as a family. Think of it not only as a way to teach them kindness but also to remind them that the holidays are much more than gifts and parties.

6) Start your own holiday tradition 

Let's not forget that all these holiday traditions that we cherish so much and try hard to follow were once just ideas that someone thought were fun or important. Maybe this year you can start your own holiday tradition.

We hope these tips will help you to enjoy the festivities. On behalf of the MHS of Victoria, we wish you Happy Holidays!

Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria aims to foster a community that speaks openly about mental health. For more content related to mental health, follow us onFacebook andInstagram.