Stress and The Holidays

Many people look forward to the holidays each year with great expectations for family visits, get togethers with friends, and time to enjoy the season. 

The holidays offer great food, much needed time from work and the opportunity to reconnect with loved-ones. While the holidays can be a delightful time, for many, the season increases stress, anxiety and depression. Worry about finances, difficult family dynamics or other troubles can get heavier at this time and the holidays can be an added burden rather than a joyous time.

One of the most common reasons that the holidays become stressful is the expectation placed on families who are sometimes overextended emotionally and financially. The added burden to provide big meals, provide gifts, pay for travel and overextend the budget feels like a heavy weight.

Despite the Hallmark channel’s insistence that families all love one another and that being together is all that matters, many families are fractured, busy and unable or unwilling to live in harmony.

There are a variety of ways to reduce the holiday stress including setting healthy boundaries, having a plan for spending, and being flexible with expectations.