For many families the holiday season is full of joy, fun, get-togethers and relaxation. Does this sound like your family. You most likely would not be reading this article if it were true. What you need to know is that holiday are stressful and anxiety does exist during this time for most families. So, what are the holiday season facts when it comes to holiday anxiety?
- Over 40 million Americans live with some sort of anxiety disorder.
Axious children tend to be even more "hyperaware" and more anxious during the holiday times. - Social anxiety is at it's all-time high.
- Alcohol and other non-prescribed medications often intensify anxiety.
Buying and travel plans during the holidays are often reported at the #1 cause of anxiety.
How To Reduce Stress & Anxiety During The Holidays
- Plan ahead: Try to anticipate stressful situations by talking to your children and other family members in advance about what causes anxiety.
- Be Kind To Yourself: Eat, sleep and exercise. Take time to relax!
- Set Realistic Expectations: Don't over-do the holidays. Avoid attending too many evants, activities and parties.
- Set a Spending Budget and Stick To It!: Because so much anxiety and stressed is caused by spending when you do not have the money, set a budget. Share this spending budget with the family. Let your children know that you love them daily and that you want to be responsible by not buying stuff that the family can't afford.
- Do Fun Things: Play family games. Watch a holiday movie together. Share meals (at least one) together everyday. Read a holiday book together. Have fun!!
