Holiday parties. Christmas shopping. Extra traffic. Full calendars. Tangled Christmas lights. Bad weather. Crowded airports. Extended family that you may like or not like. All of this accumulates into the holiday stress that we’re all familiar with this time of year.
While you may try your best to avoid it, holiday stress is about as consistent as all those Christmas songs you hear on repeat each holiday season. But holiday stress can do a number to your mental health and even become triggering for substance abuse. That’s why managing holiday stress in a healthy way is so important as the season greets us.
Why Are the Holidays So Stressful?
A number of statistics show that the holidays are a stressful season. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), two in five adults say their stress increases this time of year. In addition, 43% of adults say that holiday stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season, and 23% say that the holidays even feel like a competition!
But why are the holidays so stressful? Another survey by the APA shows that nearly nine in 10 adults say that concerns surrounding a lack of money, missing loved ones, and anticipating family strife cause them stress this time of year. You may be able to relate to some of these annual challenges yourself, but there are others that are all too familiar as well. The holidays for many put deadlines upon us during a very busy season, from end-of-the-year work requirements and gift buying to events for the kids and travel planning. This full schedule can also lead to fatigue, burnout, and mental weariness, generating holiday stress.
Certain people may dread the friends or family they’re obligated to visit this time of year. For some, going home can be an unpleasant experience, even drumming up holiday trauma from recalling traumatic memories from the past. Others may feel the pressure to make everything perfect for the holidays, wanting to impress their family and friends or just meet their own unrealistic expectations.
Mental Health Challenges and Substance Abuse
As holiday stress takes its toll, it can leave you looking any which way you can for a holiday stress management strategy to help alleviate it. After all, stress over time can cause several other issues, such as irritability and sleep troubles. Some can also deal with anxiety as a fallout from stress. Holiday stress and mental health also overlap, as this time of the year generates holiday depression in a number of people for various reasons. Stress can also bring about pain due to tight muscles, as well as stomach issues, and headaches.
So what do people turn to to find relief from their holiday stress? For some, they can begin looking for ways to self-medicate in the form of alcohol or drugs. Taking a hit of cocaine or drinking a few rounds at the bar may provide a temporary break from stress and other negative emotions. But it doesn’t last. And when mental health challenges are in the mix in addition to stress, such substances can make your mental health worse. As people take substances on repeat to deal with stress, they can unfortunately develop an addiction in response.
5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress in a Healthier Way
Stress can be an addiction trigger for those navigating the holidays in recovery. And nobody wants to unwrap a brand new addiction or substance abuse struggles for Christmas, either. That’s why you need to have some healthy holiday stress management tools in place to keep you on the straight and narrow. With that said, here are a few tips for managing holiday stress well this season:
- Prioritize some “me time” (and say no when needed): You may have a full schedule and social obligations, but it’s a good idea to take a break from the festivities every now and then. This may mean learning to say no to others when needed. However, doing something refreshing can really help to alleviate stress in the moment.
- Pursue self-care: Now isn’t the time to take a break from maintaining your health. Yes, you can indulge in a seasonal treat on occasion. But be sure to keep up those healthy habits like exercising, getting proper nutrition, and sleeping adequately. Exercising especially can be a healthy stress reliever.
- Embrace flexibility: Sure, you have plans and holiday expectations. But such a fixed schedule is often the culprit of stress. Instead, give yourself grace and the flexibility needed to adjust when things don’t go as planned. Not only does this reduce the pressure you put on yourself, it also will reduce your stress.
- Express your feelings to loved ones: If you’re struggling or feeling regular holiday stress, don’t just keep that to yourself. Find a loved one or trusted friend you can confide in and share what’s going on. The act of sharing will help reduce stress, and you’ll also receive encouragement and support in the process.
- Get professional help: In all the busyness of the season, making time for therapy or professional help can make all the difference in navigating mental health challenges or holiday stress.
Overcome Substance Abuse in Vermont
If you find yourself struggling with substance abuse, we can help at Sana at Stowe in Stowe, Vermont. Our compassionate, holistic drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs can equip you to heal from your addiction and learn better coping strategies for maintaining long-term sobriety. And if you’re dealing with co-occurring mental health struggles, our dual diagnosis treatment program can help you find peace this holiday season. Give us a call now to learn more.
