Anxiety can make the holidays a difficult time for parents, what to know for next year.

Written by Jennifer Scott of SpiritFinder.org

The holidays are a time for joy and cheer — but if you have anxiety and children, the holidays can be a time for unending stress. 

The kids are out of school, and you want to spend quality time with them, but between your job, shopping and getting the house ready for visitors, you have no time for fun. The constant worry about whether you will finish everything can set you on edge. 

It doesn’t help that the barrage of holiday images on TV, billboards and magazines can make you feel completely inadequate. Is there really such a thing as a Normal Rockwell holiday?
We like to think there is, but it always sets us up for disappointment. So, it’s best to not even think about it.

If it helps, you’re not alone. According to Good Housekeeping, 76 percent of people with anxiety have trouble sleeping around Christmas; nearly 60 percent have panic attacks; 52 percent of people with mental health issues have considered harming themselves; and 36 percent have actually harmed themselves. Those aren’t good odds. 

There are ways to get through the season without falling into a pit of despair or being in a constant state of misery. None of these ideas are a cure, but they might help ease the stress a bit. 

• Prioritize your health above all else. Start with your gut, since it’s responsible for regulating your mood levels and physical health. Try to incorporate gut-friendly foods into your holiday meals like sauerkraut, sourdough bread, and wild salmon. Even a little dark chocolate has its benefits!

• While research is ongoing, there is evidence that marijuana can benefit physical and mental health. If you’re interested in trying medical or recreational marijuana for your anxiety, and your state’s laws permit it, look to an online glossary of terms that can teach you more about it. You’ll become familiar with commonly used terminology like THC, hemp, and topical marijuana.

• Set your expectations to more realistic levels — maybe your home won’t win a decorating contest, and perhaps it won’t make the cover of an architecture magazine. But that doesn’t mean your holidays won’t be perfect for the people who matter: your own family.
  
  
• Consider hiring some help. Who said you have to do all the cleaning? There are services who will do that for you, and even do it faster. While you’re taking the kids to see holiday lights, a service can be mopping your floors. When you come home to a pristine, clean house, the feeling of relief makes it worth every penny.
  
  
• If you’re feeling anxious about the gifts (how will I get it all done?), consider shopping online. You don’t have to fight the crowds to get bargains online, and packages can be delivered right to your home. A lot of online stores will even provide gift wrap. 

• Sometimes the stress of gift buying can lead to anxiety over money. If you’re still paying off last year’s gifts, consider changing your gift-giving plan. Talk to your family and discuss ways to lessen the burden. Letting them know in advance that you can’t afford to spend as much this year will help everyone cope better. Chances are, you’re not the only one in the family who is hurting. Perhaps only buy gifts for the children in the family and not the adults. Ask your family to start a gift exchange, so that each person only has to buy for only one other person.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to say no. You don’t have to attend every party to which you’re invited. Sometimes the running around and pressure to get to every event can be overwhelming. Your hosts will understand if you just can’t make it this year.
  
  
• Take a break. If you are at a party and need a minute, don’t hesitate to step outside or find an empty room where you can sit quietly. Taking a small break to decompress can help you feel energized again.
  
  
• Make time for yourself, too. Though everyone puts heavy demands on your time, it can be helpful to just squeeze in a little “me-time.” Enjoy a pedicure, a massage or even just a good book in front of a warm fire. Give yourself a little moment to relax your brain and focus on the beauty around you. 

Remember that the holidays are a time for loved ones and joy, so focus on those two things. By doing what you can to ward off the extra pressure and stress, you can make the holidays more enjoyable for the whole family and lessen your anxiety in the process. Good luck and happy holidays!