Be present in all things and thankful for all things.
-Maya Angelou
One of the reasons I love this quote is that being centered and grounded in this moment is a great way to offset and lower anxiety. As you probably already know, I also love the concept of holding two, often seemingly very different things, at this same time. In this case, you can be thankful for all you have right here and now, and feel anxious (or many other feelings) at the same time.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: symptoms of anxiety to look out for around the holidays, possible symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause (which can heighten during the holiday season) and self-care ideas to help with holiday anxiety. Enjoy, and I hope some of this information if helpful to your own life during this holiday season!
Symptoms of anxiety to look out for around the holidays:
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Sweaty palms
- Eating changes
- Pounding heart
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Pressure in your chest
- Worry about the future
- Butterflies in your stomach
- Feeling like the walls are closing in on you
What else would you add to this list?
Possible symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause to look out for around the holidays as well:
- Anger
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Restlessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Intrusive thoughts
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Lashing out at your partner and/or kids
- Constant thoughts about the safety of your baby, young children, and older kids
What else would you add here?
Self-care ideas to help with holiday anxiety:
- Talk to a therapist
- Journal about what’s going on in your life during the holiday season
- Eat a healthy diet whenever possible during the holiday feasting
- Do yoga or gentle stretching to help relax your body
- Do a quiet or guided mediation
- Get plenty of sleep at night- go to be earlier than usual or wake up later than usual to accomplish this feat when possible
- Connect with loved ones both near and far
- Go for a walk outside, even on those cold winter days, and soak in the beauty all around you.
What else would you add to this list that helps you with your own holiday anxiety?
If you’re struggling this 2025 holiday season, know that you’re not alone. Many of us struggle this time of year, especially those of us with anxiety. It’s hard to manage anxiety symptoms when there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it all at this point in December. If you could use more help and support, please reach out to your doctor or therapist (or find one in your area if you don’t already have one you can contact). Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
