5 Ways to Manage Holiday Anxiety

The holidays can be a magical time, full of friends, family and loved ones. However, the holidays can also fuel stress and anxiety. According to the American Psychology Association, over 40% of people say they feel stressed during the holidays. This period lasts from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

“The holidays can cause increased stress levels, regardless of whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder.” Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to manage your stress and enjoy the season," says Doylestown Health Transitional Year Resident Alex Fekete, D.O., from Doylestown Health.

Plan Ahead

You might see your schedule get busier during the holiday season as you balance school, work, and social events. You can reduce stress by staying organized and planning ahead.

“Keep an up-to-date calendar that includes all of your family’s activities. This will help you keep track of where you need to be. It can also help you avoid overextending yourself. Having too many activities can leave you feeling overwhelmed and tired,” he says.

Dr. Fekete also recommends checking your calendar every night to make sure you are prepared for the following day. Some other suggestions to help you stay organized include:

• Delegate tasks so you’re not overwhelmed.
• Have everything you need in advance to eliminate last minute errands.
• Look at directions in advance

Manage Expectations

Between social media and holiday movies, it’s easy to romanticize the holiday season. To help avoid disappointment, manage your expectations. Remember, certain situations are beyond your control.

“You can’t control the weather or actions of other people. Be prepared for different situations. Your holiday may not go exactly as planned," says Dr. Fekete.

Dr. Fekete suggests talking to friends and family about what you expect during the holidays. He also warns that social media can be dangerous.

"Social media does not help people have realistic expectations for the holiday season. This is because people only show what they want you to see. Behind the camera may be something completely different, “he says.

Make Time for Yourself

Self-care is important during the holidays. This means caring for your body and mind. Some ways Dr. Fekete says you can prioritize yourself and your health include:

• Exercising
• Listening to music
• Reading a book

If you are too busy to make time for yourself, Dr. Fekete suggests taking another look at your schedule. “You may need to set boundaries for yourself. The holidays are a time to enjoy with friends and family members. If you don't enjoy the holidays, take a step back and learn why,” he says.

Practice Stress-Reducing Activities

Sometimes you can't avoid stress. If that’s the case, Dr. Fekete recommends using methods to reduce stress such as:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Yoga

Maintain Healthy Habits

Holiday parties and family gatherings may tempt you to ditch some of your healthy habits. But it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some ways you can focus on your physical and mental health include:

• Eating a well-balanced diet that includes healthy snacks
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Stick to your regular sleep routine

Meet the Provider

Alexander Fekete, D.O., is a Transitional Year Resident at Doylestown Health.  His approach to healthcare is not focused on treating symptoms or diseases, but on understanding the unique needs of each individual patient.