5 Reasons Your Anxiety Might Soar Over The Festive Season And How To Cope

December can be a time of joy and celebrations but can also be a dark and difficult time for people struggling with anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, then the thought of endless socialising, entertaining, family gatherings and stretched finances can fill you with dread and exacerbate any anxious feelings and stress already present.

Many factors can intensify anxious thoughts and feelings as we attempt to navigate through the holiday season. So, what are the top 5 offenders and how could we deal with them to ensure our anxiety levels don’t skyrocket?

1.    Finances

This time of year can be a difficult time for finances. Worrying about money and being in debt can be particularly stressful and can lead to feelings of anxiousness. Many people are already struggling with the increase in household bills so there isn’t much spare for extravagant gifts this year. Ensure you stick to a budget and make everyone else aware that there is a limit on present buying. People will be relieved that you have made this move as we all feel obliged to reciprocate when receiving expensive gifts and this will remove the pressure. Make this year about connecting with family and friends and making memories. This way your finances will be stable heading into the new year.

2.    Socialising

Parties and events can be fun but can also be stressful and anxiety inducing. Large gatherings of people and making small talk with colleagues or people you don’t know very well, often do not combine well with anxiety. Always ensure you have organised a lift home so you can exit swiftly if required. Avoid overcompensating with alcohol as this has its own downfalls and can heighten anxious feelings. Try to limit how many social events you attend as too many late nights can lead to a lack of sleep which subsequently increases cortisol levels and can leave you feeling anxious and irritable. Plan your diary to include a few nights in to catch up on that well needed sleep.

 3.    Food and Drink

Everyone loves overindulging on food or drink over the festive period. However, too much alcohol has an effect on your brain’s chemical levels and neurobiological processes which can lead to feelings of anxiety. Processed and sugary foods can invoke anxiety by causing a spike in your blood sugar or increasing inflammation. Keep hydrated and maybe alternate alcoholic drinks with a soft drink like soda water and fresh lime or a mineral water. Try to avoid the unhealthy snacks on the buffet and aim for nutritious, healthy food as much as possible.

4.    Shopping

Christmas shopping can fill anyone with feelings of dread and anxiety with all the crowds and queues to contend with. Ensure to plan shopping trips at non-peak times to avoid crowds and make sure you have a prepared list at hand so you can be focused on gift buying. This can also help with budgeting too.

5.    Entertaining/Hosting

 If you are hosting Christmas for the family then this can cause huge amounts of anxiety. Worrying about cooking everything perfectly and keeping all your relatives happy can be quite stressful. Ensure to delegate jobs out and get everyone involved. Try to pre-plan timings for cooking dinner to ease stress on the day.  The more you feel in control, the less anxious you will be.

Remember, Christmas isn’t a competition and everything does not need to be perfect. Your family just wants to spend time with YOU!