How to manage holiday stress and anxiety

by Patrick Ibsen on Sunday 15 December 2024

3 min read

Managing holiday stress and anxiety can be a challenge, especially during the long family getaways and festive celebrations. The pressure to enjoy the holiday, which funnily enough, can lead many of us feeling overwhelmed. There are solutions to this. Here’s how to slow down and enjoy the season while learning to live life to the fullest.

Understanding holiday stress

The holiday season often brings joy, it gives us a break from our daily routines and who doesn't love a sleep in? But we get that this period can sometimes trigger stress and anxiety. Many factors can contribute to this emotional strain. Recognising these triggers is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Common sources of holiday stress

Family dynamics

Interacting with family members can be complicated, especially if there are unresolved issues or differing opinions during a family holiday. It helps to discuss these challenges as best you can from the beginning to lay the groundwork and set boundaries for a peaceful family holiday.

Financial pressures

The cost of gifts, travel, and festivities can add up quickly, leading to anxiety about finances. Setting a realistic budget during the year may help alleviate this stress.

High expectations

The desire for a problem free holiday experience can create unrealistic standards that are hard to meet. So, it helps to take a step back and remember it’s about the people around you that matters most.

How to manage holiday-related stress


Set realistic expectations

Face it, you need to accept that not everything will go perfectly during a family holiday, and that’s fine. Instead, focus on what truly matters – spending time with loved ones and creating meaningful memories. Rather than striving for perfection, aim for a fulfilling experience that includes moments where you can still unwind. If the season hands you lemons, make some lemonade.


Prioritise self-care

Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s important to make time for yourself. Do things that helps you unwind and recharge, such as:

Exercise - You knew we were going to mention this, didn't you? Getting exercise can help make a huge difference to your overall mood. Even short walks or quick workouts can boost your endorphins and create a clear mindset.

Practice mindfulness - Techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety during busy periods. Here’s a handy guide to meditation; it can help you on the path to inner peace.

Sleep - Make sure you’re getting enough rest to maintain your energy levels and emotional resilience. If a long night’s sleep escapes you, here are ways to get the best from a daytime nap.


Communicate openly

Express your feelings with family members during your family holiday gatherings. Open communication can help alleviate misunderstandings and foster a supportive environment. If certain topics are sensitive, set boundaries around them to avoid conflict.

Techniques on how to calm down

Deep breathing exercises

When you feel yourself getting stressed, take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold for four more, and exhale through your mouth for six seconds. This simple technique can help you regulate your emotions in stressful situations.

Create a relaxation space

Designate a quiet area in your home where you can retreat when feeling overwhelmed by holiday preparations or family interactions. Fill it with calming elements such as soft lighting, soothing scents, or comforting music.

Practice gratitude

Shift your focus from things that cause stress to positive aspects of your life. A great way to do this is by keeping a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re thankful for each day, especially during the holidays, to cultivate a more positive mindset and remind yourself how to live life to the fullest. Discover more about the benefits of journalling in our article, "Journalling for mental health and wellness".

Take a deeper dive into ways to calm down. Check out our article "How to calm your mind (without meditation)" for great hacks to add to your tool box.

Embracing the season

While managing holiday stress is crucial, it’s equally important to embrace the joy of the season:

Focus on connection

Try your best to interact meaningfully with your family during gatherings. Share stories, play games, or cook together to strengthen bonds and create core memories.

While gift giving is not the most important part of the holidays, it can be a rewarding activity. Our meaningful gift guide can provide you with some inspiration.

Give back

Consider volunteering at a local charity during the holidays. Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment that may alleviate personal stress, while also allowing you to reflect on giving back to your local community.

Celebrate small moments

Instead of fixating on grand celebrations, appreciate small moments of joy – like how nice a cool drink in the shade is or enjoying the sound of the birds during your peaceful walk in nature. These experiences can help make the most of your holidays, and inspire you to live life to the fullest. 

A great place to start celebrating the small wins can be simply through the practice of self-reflection. We have an article that takes you on the journey of getting to know yourself, and it's a must read before you start the holidays - "The virtues of self-reflection".

Remember what it’s all about

The holidays should be a time for joy and connection rather than stress and anxiety. Remember it's okay to take breaks from your loved ones when needed; after all, learning how to calm down means finding balance amidst the chaos.

If the silly season gets a little too much for you, a luxurious and nourishing relaxation session at one of Virgin Active's may do a world of good. Find your nearest club today.

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