Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress


 The holidays can be a time to see family and celebrate together. Though, we acknowledge that this is not the Most Wonderful Time of Year for everyone.

We want to provide strategies to help people who may be feeling the stress during this holiday season.

  • Normalize & Validate Your Feelings
    You may be experiencing a spectrum of emotions during this holiday season and that is normal. There are no rules that you have to feel a certain way because it is the holidays. It is OK to feel however you are feeling.
  • Plan Ahead
    Develop a schedule of when you want to go shopping, see family & friends, bake/cook, and engage in self-care. Planning ahead can provide more control when feeling overwhelmed by the holidays.

    Continue with your established daily habits. It is important to maintain your sleep schedule, regular eating patterns, and hygiene/self-care when holiday stress increases.
  • Identify and Implement Boundaries
    Financial stress can increase around the holidays. It is OK to identify and implement a budget. This may look like discussing with family members alternative avenues to gifts, such as planning time to spend time together or be creative with gift-making.

    It is OK to say no to family members, or walk away when they bring up conversations that lead to distress for you.

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Location: Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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