If this is you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to health insurance company HCF, 71% of Australians braced for a stressful Christmas in 2021. This number was higher (80%) when the people who were surveyed were parents with children in the household. Those who are divorced, isolated, or have experienced a death in the family were also more likely to experience negative emotions over the festive period.
Furthermore, Christmas presents a dizzying array of anxiety-inducing demands; cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. Just talking about these seemingly endless to-do lists can induce anxiety! However, Christmas doesn’t have to be something you enjoy for an hour when everyone is taking a nap on Christmas Day afternoon. Here are strategies you can put in place to ensure your break isn’t something your dread.
1. Stick to a budget
Christmas is an expensive time of year and can become a burden on your wallet and, ultimately, your mind. There are often gifts that need to be bought for friends, family and even sometimes co-workers. Then there’s the boozy catch ups and Christmas parties, and all the food shopping for Christmas Day. The very thought of paying for everything over Christmas can drive financial stressors.
To help alleviate this, try identifying what’s causing your financial pressure and plan ways you can reduce your spending. For example, you could suggest to your family and friends that you only buy gifts for the kids, or organise a ‘Secret Santa’ among the adults. You could also organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone contributes. Set a Christmas budget and stick to it.
2. Limit family conflict
Just because you’re related doesn’t mean your family members will all get along. Recently broken families and unresolved conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety. Family and relationship problems can be a trigger for anxiety.
To help with this, it’s important to set realistic expectations about what you expect gatherings to be like. Indeed, quite often the fabulous family reunion you envisaged doesn’t pan out as you hoped. Plan how you will manage any feelings of anxiety or depression that may arise. If you have children, consider putting aside ongoing adult conflicts in their interest. Think about Christmas as a day for the kids and focus on enabling their happiness.
Finally, understand the triggers that set off family disputes. If that is politics, make a rule that Christmas lunch is a “no politics zone” and enforce it. Alcohol can often enflame family conflict too, so try not to drink too much at the gathering so you can better check your own emotions.
3. Manage loneliness
If you know you are going to be alone a lot over the Christmas break, or if this is the first festive period that you’re experiencing without a loved one, it’s important to stay connected with your friends and family as much as possible. Even if you’re separated by distance, you can stay in touch with loved ones online or by phone or Skype.
Another way you can increase your social connection is to volunteer for a charity or help out at a community event. You don’t necessarily even have to help out! Whether it’s Christmas carols or local markets, getting out and about can help relieve loneliness.
Perhaps most importantly, make sure you make plans for Christmas Day in advance to avoid feeling depressed or stressed on the day. You could also make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy it on the day, attend a local church service if that is your interest, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself something to look forward to.
4. Don’t abandon healthy habits
While Christmas is a time for overindulgence, overdoing it can add to stress and guilt. Gaining an element of control can help your mental health in this area. You can do this by having a healthy snack before big meals so that you don’t go overboard on food or drinks.
Including regular physical activity in your daily routine can help both your physical and mental health throughout the festive period, as can good quality sleep. Alcohol consumption is also something that can be difficult to control over Christmas, but limiting your intake can help reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed.
5. Take a breather and find time for yourself
With work, social occasions and the family to look after, it can be hard to find a moment of peace. However, spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
Find an activity that you know will reduce your stress and clear your mind. Whether that be watching the cricket, reading a good book, listening to some music, or going for a walk. Any time to yourself is hugely beneficial to your mental wellbeing — especially during the crazy Christmas period.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you feel isolated or lonely, seek out a community or social events. They can provide you with connectedness and support. However, if you do find yourself feeling persistently down or anxious, irritable, fatigued, overwhelmed and unable to face day-to-day tasks, don’t be afraid to talk to your GP or, contact our friendly team on 1300 687 327 who can put you in contact with an experienced counsellor.
