Coping With Holiday Stress: 5 Expert Tips to Help Alleviate Christmas Anxiety Mindfulness

The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year. They can also be the most stressful. Nearly a quarter of Americans experience “extreme stress” during the holidays. Don’t let your anxiety get the best of you. Here are tips to help you navigate this tricky time of year:

• Too many decisions. From menus to presents to parties, you may be in decision overdrive, so don’t be afraid to defer to others when you’ve reached capacity.

• An overbooked schedule. Sometimes just looking at your calendar can cause a panic attack. Embrace the power of “no” when it feels like too much.

• Strained family relations. Avoid triggers and set boundaries. Do what you can, and don’t feel compelled to sacrifice your own mental health to make others happy.

• Pressure to have the “perfect” holiday. The holidays are festive – and unpredictable. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by trying to make everything perfect.

• Complete and total overload. If you’re overwhelmed and need help, talk to a primary care nurse practitioner about coping mechanisms to get you through.

The holidays are what we make of them. Try these tips to make this one joyful and stress-free!

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