Christmas Anxiety
Is there such a thing?
In this blog, I share with you that there is such a thing as Christmas anxiety, and tips for helping you manage yourself better through the festive period. I also offer you my "Kickstart 23" life coaching session, available to you or it can be purchased as a voucher for friends and family as a gift. The 1-hour 30-minute consultation gives you tools to create abundance in all areas of your life in 2023, as well as gain clarity and come away with a set of outlined goals that will give you purpose and direction for the year ahead.
If you are an existing client, a parent of a child I work with or a previous client and need support this December, I am available and working throughout Christmas and offering emergency appointments between December 26th and 1st January.
The festive period brings with it many pressures, We often feel more obliged to socialise during December, for some of us getting through the work Christmas Do can be an ordeal. There's no doubt about it, Christmas is the most expensive time of the year and just worrying about paying for everything can raise our anxiety levels. Some of us feel apprehensive about family gatherings, which can encourage stressful situations or conflict. Society tells us that Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, cheerfulness, family and celebration. This time of year can take us to the edge, in the past I have found myself flinching when the word Christmas pops up in November and if you struggle with depression or anxiety it can be a particularly challenging time.
Whatever our emotional state, it heightens during the Christmas period. We may be estranged from friends and family, bereaving a loved one or having to contemplate the kids spending time with their other parent and leaving us wide open to the choice of where and with whom we will be spending the day. This can be daunting, I've been there myself. I have worked with clients who are "happy single" 11 months off the year but really struggle with feeling lonely during December, I always ask clients what is this about for them. Isn't it interesting how our expectations for ourselves are so high at this time of year. Once we reset a much more realistic version of Christmas for ourselves, it helps dissolve our stress. Take a deep breath and use the affirmation "Today I choose peace over anxiety, joy over worry and embrace this Christmas, whatever it brings me".
Whatever the reasons behind your worries, Christmas stress, Christmas anxiety and Christmas depression are all very real issues faced by many of us each year. Whether it’s the financial strain that accompanies gift buying, the cold and dark winter nights of winter, or the reality of spending Christmas alone, there can be a number of triggers for mental health problems during the Christmas season.
First of all, it’s important to recognise that if you’re struggling you are far from alone. Mental health issues at Christmas affect more of us than you might think. A survey from YouGov found that a quarter of people say that Christmas makes their mental health worse, while a survey from the Mental Health Foundation found that 54% of people were worried about the mental health of someone they know at Christmas.
My top tips for surviving the Christmas period
1. Keep your expectations modest
Don’t get hung up on what the Christmas holidays are supposed to be like and how you’re supposed to feel.
Don’t worry about festive spirit and simply take every day as it comes.
2. Do something different
This year, does the prospect of the usual routine fill you with Christmas dread rather than joy?
If so, don’t surrender to it. Try something different.
Have dinner at a restaurant on Christmas Day. Spend Boxing Day at the cinema or get your family to agree to donate the money to a charity instead of exchanging presents.
3. Lean on your support system
If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, you need a network of close friends and family to turn to when things get tough.
During Christmas, take time to get together with your support network regularly – or at least keep in touch by phone to keep yourself centred.
4. Don’t assume the worst
Don’t start the Christmas season anticipating disaster. If you try to take the festivities as they come and limit your expectations – both good and bad – you may enjoy them more.
5. Forget the unimportant stuff
Don’t run yourself ragged just to live up to Christmas traditions.
So what if you don’t cook a ham this year or bake mince pies. Waitrose sell lots of lovely Christmas food and nibbles if you don't have the time to cook. Give yourself a break. Worrying about such trivial stuff will not add to your festive spirit
6. Volunteer
You may feel stressed and booked up already, but maybe consider taking time to help people who have less than you. Try volunteering at a food bank or helping someone do their shopping.
We always feel better when we have helped someone and made a difference, however small. Community is important.
You really have more control than you think. If certain things are guaranteed to stress you out, avoid them
7. Avoid problems
Think about what people or situations trigger your stress and figure out ways to avoid them.
If seeing a family member stresses you out, remember to put in place healthy boundaries.
8. Ask for help - but be specific
People are often more willing to help out than you expect; they just need some guidance from you on what to do.
9. Don’t worry about things beyond your control
What can you really do about it? Again, I stress enforce healthy boundaries. You can say no. Remember your limits: you can’t control them, but you can control your own reaction to the situation.
10. Make new family traditions
People often feel compelled to keep family Christmas traditions alive long past the point that anyone’s actually enjoying them. Don’t keep them going for their own sake.
Start a new tradition instead. Create one that’s more meaningful to you personally.
11. Find positive ways to remember loved ones
Christmas may remind you of the loved ones who aren’t around anymore. You could put in place a new routine to celebrate their memory
12. Don’t overbook
The festive season can last for weeks and weeks. Pace yourself so you don't get overwhelmed.
Don’t say yes to every invitation. Think about which parties you can fit in -- and which ones you really want to attend.
13. Don’t stay longer than you want
Going to a party doesn’t mean you are obliged to stay until the bitter end. Instead, just drop by for a few minutes, say hello, and explain that you have other engagements.
The hosts will understand that it’s a busy time of year and appreciate your effort. Knowing you have the plan to leave can really ease your anxiety about the situation.
14. Take a friend to the party
If the prospect of the office Christmas party is causing stress or social anxiety, talk to a friend and arrange to arrive – and leave – together. You may feel much better knowing you have an ally and a plan of escape.
15. Forget about the perfect gift
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, now is not the time to fret about finding the absolute best present ever - remember, everybody likes a gift voucher.
You can purchase my "Kickstart 23" Life Coach Voucher, a great Christmas present for friends and family or perhaps you would like to make the investment for yourself and start the new year with clarity and vision. The voucher is valued at £195 but is available to you for £150.00. The session is 1 hour 30 mins and redeemable within 3 months. A beautifully designed voucher is sent to you by post on receipt of purchase. By the end of this structured session, the voucher holder will come away with tools to put in place for achieving greater abundance for the year ahead as well as a clear plan of action for goals in 2023.