The holidays are often called the “most wonderful time of the year.”
But, when you stop to think about it, the holidays are very anxiety-inducing, especially for moms. As a therapist, lots of women come to my office feeling very overwhelmed this time of year, and it’s easy to see why. From Halloween to New Year’s, moms everywhere put their needs aside to make sure everyone else enjoys their holidays. Even if it causes them tremendous anxiety. Today, I want to take a moment and discuss ways you can navigate the holiday season. You can and deserve to make it enjoyable for yourself and your loved ones.
Being a mom is a tough job but it’s even more challenging during the holidays. During this time of the year, you have your typical day-to-day responsibilities. Plus, you also have the added pressure of holiday-related tasks and people to please.
Even though you have very little extra time, you still feel like you have to:
- Plan holiday events
- Take part in your children and spouse’s events
- Shop for gifts
- Cook elaborate meals
- Bake
- Entertain extended family
It’s exhausting. In fact, it’s so exhausting that 60% of women report feeling stressed during the holiday season.
It’s understandable that you would want to make this holiday season perfect for everyone. It’s how you show them you love and care for them. Plus let’s be honest, there’s no greater joy than watching your child enjoy the holidays. I get it. But, when you forsake your happiness and mental health to please others, you aren’t setting yourself up for success. Plus, it’s hard to be happy during the holidays or get the most out of these activities if you’re stressed and irritable.
To actually enjoy the holidays, you need to care for yourself and your mental health. I know you may be thinking, it’s easy for you to say behind the veil of a computer screen, but it’s true. Here are some tips to help you fight anxiety.
Let Go of the Idea of a Perfect Holiday
Calling all Pinterest/Facebook/Instagram moms! You don’t have to have a picture-perfect holiday to be a good parent or make your children happy. Social media and other moms put a lot of pressure on women to do it all and go all out for their families. But, this image they’re portraying isn’t real. It’s carefully curated to show only the good parts.
Think of your expectations for yourself, your family, and the holidays. Be realistic and in line with what’s best for your family. Don’t overdo it to the point of exhaustion. Find a happy middle ground.
Think About Why You’re Putting so Much Pressure On Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire to have a perfect holiday season without ever taking the time to figure out why. This is especially true for people who have experienced past hardship or trauma. For example, say you didn’t have the happiest childhood and we’re always disappointed or sad on the holidays. You may use those memories as fuel to push yourself to give your children better holidays. Even if that means maxing yourself out in a financial or physical, or mental sense.
Or, you may have dealt with a lot of disappointment and rejection in your life. As a result, you’re always seeking the approval of others. Your fear of rejection may go over the top during the holidays to gain your family’s love and acceptance. It’s important to understand the reason behind your actions. By doing so, you can work through them and move forward in a healthy way. Otherwise, you will keep burning yourself out until you have nothing more to give.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Are others are the source of your holiday anxiety? If so, it’s important to set healthy boundaries for yourself and your family. Boundaries are very important. They give clear direction and understanding around what you will or won’t tolerate. Boundaries also show how you want to be treated. Setting boundaries helps you prevent overwhelm and burnout. This in turn can help reduce feeling like you’re being taken for granted or taken advantage of. This is so common, especially amongst women during the holidays.
For example, you may have family expecting you to throw large holiday get-togethers. If so, then politely tell them that you will be celebrating the holidays with your intimate family only. You would be happy to see them another time but are not interested in hosting.
Make Time for Yourself
It’s very important that amidst the holiday craziness you set aside time each day to care for yourself and your mental health. You don’t have to do anything large and lavish. Do something you enjoy that brings a smile to your face or allows you a moment to breathe and enjoy the moment.
So, take a walk outside, or sit in your car and listen to your favorite holiday music. Drink your favorite holiday beverage, or enjoy a sweet treat. Whatever makes you happy! If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed during the holidays, please know you’re not alone. If you need support, consider reaching out to a therapist for guidance during this time. They can help you get to the root of your desire. Together, you can work to have the perfect holiday and give you tips for coping with distress when it arises.
I know this time of year can be quite busy and stressful. You likely do not want to add much more to your to-do list or dive into a therapy appointment right now. So, consider online therapy. It offers flexible and convenient appointment times. You can get an appointment to talk with a therapist and start working on the issues that matter most to you.
Start Working with an Online Anxiety Therapist in Roswell, GA
You deserve support navigating the stress of the holiday season. Our caring therapists would be happy to listen to the issues affecting you most this time of year. We can provide tools to help you combat anxiety, and feel like the amazing mother you are! We also provide support from our Roswell, GA-based counseling practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
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Meet with a caring therapist
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Start managing your stress, and enjoying the holiday season!
Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Anxiety treatment isn’t the only service provided at our Atlanta, GA-based counseling practice. We offer PTSD and trauma treatment, chronic illness counseling, and therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression. We also offer play therapy, child counseling, young adult therapy, family therapy, individual counseling. Contact us to learn more about our social skills groups for kids, young adult support groups, and parent education classes. Or, learn more about our services via online therapy in Georgia. Contact our Atlanta area mental health clinic to learn more today!