If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.
-Amit Ray
If you’re anything like me, you feel a lot of stress and anxiety this time of year, with some joy and excitement sprinkled in too!
Outside of the holiday season, when I feel anxious, I typically notice it first as butterflies in my stomach, but I’ve noticed that around the holidays it shows up as pressure in my chest.
Pressure around too much to do and not enough time to do it all.
Pressure around finances this time of year.
Pressure around keeping and organizing holiday traditions year after year.
Pressure around finding the perfect gifts for family and friends.
Pressure around taking time off, as this can be a hard time of year for so many therapy clients.
So much pressure, to be sure!
And yet, somehow it all gets done, and by the time the holidays are actually here, I’m able to feel centered and grounded once again!
Here are some common symptoms of holiday anxiety:
- Pressure in your chest
- Eating changes
- Trouble breathing
- Restlessness
- Butterflies in your stomach
- Pounding heart
- Insomnia
- Shortness of breath
- Sweaty palms
- Worry about the future
- Headache
- Feeling like the walls are closing in on you
What else would you add to this list?
Here are some common symptoms of perinatal anxiety around the holidays:
- Intrusive thoughts
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Constant thoughts about baby’s safety
- Agitation
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feelings of guilt
- Frustration
- Anger
- Lashing out at partner/kids
Did you experience any of these symptoms when you were pregnant or postpartum, or are you experiencing any of them today?
Holiday anxiety self-care ideas:
- Talk to a therapist
- Meditate
- Do yoga or gentle stretches
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get plenty of sleep
- Journal
- Connect with loved ones
- Go for a walk
What else would you add here that’s been helpful to you when anxiety is high around the holidays?
Heightened anxiety can be so normal this time of year, especially in anticipation of seeing family and friends. Know that your feelings are normal and valid, and you aren’t alone if you’re struggling this time of year. Please reach out to a therapist or doctor in your area if you need more help and support.
