The holidays can be a stressful time for many. The hustle and bustle can be overwhelming at times. Holiday celebrations can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, loneliness and grief.
“The holiday season is a time that’s generally very stressful but can be very enjoyable at the same time,” said Peter Morgan, MD, chair of Psychiatry at Bridgeport Hospital. “Finding balance, just like any time in our life, can be important but particularly important in the holiday season.”
Why do I feel overwhelmed?
“We’re generally going to have less time because we’re trying to do more things, so still trying to find time for ourselves, making sure we have a little time to relax every day and making sure we don’t get too thrown off on our schedules is really important,” said Dr. Morgan.
What can I do to manage holiday stress?
Dr. Morgan gives these five tips for managing holiday stress:
- Stick to your normal routines and healthy habits as much as possible by eating healthy meals, getting regular physical activity and proper sleep.
- Practice self-care by doing what you enjoy most.
- Take a break and enjoy some alone time if your holidays are filled with the hustle and bustle of guests.
- Learn to say “no.” You don’t need to do everything for everyone during the holidays.
- Acknowledge your feelings around the holidays. Not every moment is joyful, and that’s OK.
