The festive season can be a time of joy and excitement, connecting with friends and family and enjoying parties, presents and good food. However, for a lot of people it can be a difficult time with a lot of pressure, bringing up emotions such as anxiety, stress, grief and loneliness.

Navigating Family Dynamics

The holidays can be challenging if you’re spending time with family as they can intensify unresolved conflicts and strained relationships. If you’re dealing with a stressful family situation, you’re not alone. 

Tips to help manage this:

  • Practice self-compassion – concentrate on being kind to yourself and accepting you may need to set boundaries – what are you comfortable with and what might you need to say no to?
  • Communicate effectively – try finding a quiet place to have a constructive conversation with family members if needed. It’s ok not to do this if you don’t feel safe or if these conversations would be better at a calmer time of year.
  • Prioritise your mental health – take breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

The festive season can add to financial pressures and increase anxiety with added social expectations. It’s important to take time to look after yourself amongst the chaos. 

Ideas that may help:

  • Make time to include activities that you find fulfilling and relaxing, such as spending time in nature, listening to music or watching your favourite film.
  • Prioritise sleep – try creating a wind-down routine including calming music, a comforting book or podcast.
  • Use grounding techniques if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s one to try
  • Include some physical exercise to let the stress out – try dancing around to some upbeat music.

Coping with loneliness

Many people have to spend the holidays on their own. It can be especially hard if you’re estranged from your family or have lost loved ones. 

Some options to try:

  • Connect with friends – could you try a Zoom meetup if you can’t see them in person?
  • Volunteer – this can help you find a sense of purpose and feel more connected.
  • Join a social group – try looking for organisations that fit with your interests.
  • Look for local organisations which may have events and meals for people that are on their own on the holidays. There are also online connections, for example #JoinIn on X/Twitter on Christmas Day, started by the comedian Sarah Millican to keep people company.

Remember that the festive season doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s normal to find it challenging in some way. It’s OK to just treat Christmas like another day, or choose to do something completely different from the usual expected traditions.

This time of year can bring up especially intense emotions. If you’re struggling to cope or you’re feeling suicidal, the Samaritans (call 116 123) are open all day, all year.

If you want a supportive space in the New Year to work through whatever has come up for you this holiday season, please feel free to get in touch with me to discuss counselling.

(Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash)