Feeling Anxious About the Holidays? 5 Tips for a Merrier Mindset

The holidays are often thought of as the most wonderful time of the year. But for many, they can bring a whirlwind of stress, pressure, and exhaustion. Between shopping, family gatherings, and year-end deadlines, anxiety can quickly creep in and steal your joy.

But you don’t have to let the holidays drain your spirit.

Dr. Michele Reed and our team at MS Family Medicine Health Care, PC, in Mineola, New York, share some ways to ease holiday stress and create a merrier and more mindful season.

1. Recognize your triggers

Family dynamics, finances, and overcommitting are some of the more common sources of holiday anxiety. Knowing what sets you off is the first step toward managing it. 

Take a minute to write down your top three seasonal stressors. Being aware of what’s weighing on you helps you feel more in control, and that awareness can make all the difference.

2. Keep expectations realistic

Let go of the Hollywood holiday. Striving for a picture-perfect celebration often leads to disappointment and unnecessary stress. 

Instead, focus on what feels doable and meaningful this year. Maybe that means simplifying your menu, skipping a few traditions, or letting go of the pressure to have everything just right. A realistic holiday is a happier holiday. 

3. Protect your time and energy

Don’t try to do it all. The season already demands plenty of your time and energy; don’t add more by saying yes to everything. It’s okay to skip a party, buy store-made cookies, or scale back on the gift list. 

Setting healthy boundaries allows you to be more present for those memory-maker moments. 

4. Focus on connection

It’s easy to get caught up in finding the perfect gift or building the polished holiday highlight reel, but what truly makes this season special is connection. 

Instead of spending precious time on getting everything perfect, spend time with the people who bring you joy. Go for coffee with a friend, plan a bake date with your kids, or volunteer at a food drive. 

Shifting from external expectations to genuine connection can fill your holidays with warmth and meaning.

5. Make time for you

Amid the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Stick to your routine as much as possible. Make sleep and your fitness routine a priority, eat balanced meals, and don’t skip breakfast to save room for dessert.

If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a time out and read a book, watch a movie, or enjoy a quiet lunch with a friend. And, if you haven’t had your annual physical yet, now is a great time to prioritize your health as you head into the next year.

Simplifying your holiday expectations and taking care of your mental and physical health can help you truly enjoy the season. If anxiety is interfering with your daily life or overall well-being, we can help. Call us today or request an appointment online anytime.