Dealing with Holiday Blues

The long-awaited holiday season can evoke so many emotions; joy, thankfulness, love, excitement, wonder – annnnd anxiety.

If you’re like me, you may be feeling guilty for not sharing the same joyous emotions that seem to be filling the air, but take comfort in knowing that it is okay to feel anxiety even when you feel the pressure to be joyous.  Emotions are not solitary, you can still feel the magic of Christmas even when anxiety is creeping inside.  Here are a few tips I have found to help me enjoy the holiday season even while battling anxiety.

Allow yourself to feel your emotions

Your anxiety is definitely not going to budge if you don’t allow yourself to feel it.  Take a few moments for yourself each day to take a deep breath and remember that your anxiety is a piece of you, not all of you.  With each breath you take remind yourself that you are more than your anxiety and you WILL conquer each day,

Enjoy the small moments

I find that part of my anxiety stems from worrying that I am not going to fully enjoy the holiday season, which in turn just causes more anxiety.  Rather than stressing about the holiday season as a whole, I try to just enjoy each small “magical” moment – even if I am still feeling anxious.  Something as simple as stringing up lights can make the most precious, enjoyable memories of the season.  Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect holiday season, just enjoy each moment as it comes.

Recognize that you can experience anxiety, joy, and other emotions at the same time

We all know that it is near impossible to turn off anxiety, even in the most important moments.  However, simply reminding yourself that you can still experience joy even with anxiety can go a long way.  Be gentle with yourself during this hectic time.  Don’t let a moment of anxiousness ruin a holiday experience. Recognize the anxiety, remember that you can still enjoy yourself even with anxiety, and make the most of each moment.

Please, be kind to yourself during this stressful time.  Chances are those close to you are also struggling, so don’t be afraid to reach out to loved ones for support.  This is the season for kindness and joy, and there are so many people out there who are rooting for you.  In fact, I am rooting for you!  We got this!

What kinds of emotions do you usually feel around the holiday season? What kind of emotions are you feeling now? During times that are meant to be happy, but you feel anxious, what do you do to feel better?