Anxiety Therapy Orlando: Setting Boundaries to Manage Holiday Stress
Anxiety Therapy Orlando: Setting Boundaries to Manage Holiday Stress
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
As the holiday season rolls around, you feel a mix of excitement and joy but also a sense of worry - anxiety and stress. You look forward to taking time off work, spending time with loved ones, and celebrating with those who matter most. However, all the shopping, cooking, socializing, and financial strain can leave you too drained to truly enjoy the holidays.
Why Do Holidays Stress Us Out?
For many of us, holidays are associated not only with joy but also with stress and overwhelm. Maybe you have to juggle multiple personal and professional events, coordinate travel plans, entertain, and buy gifts for the whole family. The pressure to meet everyone's expectations can quickly turn holidays into stress rather than enjoyment. Or, perhaps your seasonal affective disorder makes it impossible to feel joyful. The hustle and bustle of the season can really cut into your downtime, making it challenging to enjoy the festivities. Plus, the endless social events can be pretty draining, even for the most extrovert among us. It's natural that, at times, you just can't wait for everything about the holidays to be done and over with.
If you’re dealing with tense family dynamics or relationship challenges, it can be difficult to immerse yourself in the joy of the season. The holidays can feel lonely and isolating, particularly for those who are grieving, coping with chronic illness, going through a separation or divorce, or living far from family.
5 Ways to Set Boundaries During the Holidays
As an anxiety therapist in Orlando, I see many clients during the holidays due to increased stress. Social events, deadlines, and financial pressure can be overwhelming, especially for those already facing stress and anxiety. So, let me guide you through 5 simple strategies that may help you to set boundaries during the holiday season.
1. Know Your Limits Ahead of Time
Take your time to consider all your upcoming holiday commitments and activities thoughtfully. Focus on what truly matters to you, and prioritize the most meaningful and enjoyable plans. Don't feel obligated to do everything—focus on the ones that bring you the most joy and connection. Remember, you don't have to do it all alone. Consider delegating tasks or sharing the load by asking family members to bring their own dishes or even take turns hosting. It can make things easier and help everyone have a good time at gatherings. Here are Gift Ideas for People With Stress and Anxiety to help with your shopping!
It's perfectly fine to say no to social events that feel more like obligations than celebrations. By doing so, you're creating space in your life for the people and activities that genuinely make you happy and energized.
2. Communicate Your Needs Clearly
When communicating with family members, use "I" statements to express your feelings and boundaries clearly. For example, you might say, "I need more downtime during the holiday season, so I won't be able to participate in that," or "I need to ensure that my kids get enough sleep at night and have enough downtime, so I cannot attend events that are scheduled after 6 PM." Additionally, make sure to give your family and friends plenty of advance notice to prevent any last-minute pressures.
3. Set Limit to Financial Commitments
Be sure to set a budget in advance for events, gifts, clothing, food, and other holiday expenses. Make sure to communicate this budget to family members or let them know that you are committed to sticking to your financial plan this year. This way, you can help manage their expectations. Another way to limit financial commitments is to make thoughtful, handmade gifts to keep costs in check if time permits. Especially if you have little ones, this can be a fun and meaningful activity for the whole family. Crafting gifts together not only adds a personal touch but also saves money, creates lasting memories, and helps children develop creative skills. Plus, you’re teaching them that meaningful gifts aren't always the most expensive.
4. Plan for Personal Time
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's really easy to push any downtime or personal time to the side. And so, you know, if you're trying to have a stress-free or lower-stress holiday season, it’s really important to make time for self care. This could mean hitting the gym or doing any other sort of exercise, enjoying some alone time, taking a bubble bath, or curling up with a good book. Just be sure to carve out that sort of time to take yourself out of the business of the holiday season.
5. Practice Saying 'No'
Practice saying 'no' gently but firmly. Decline invitations to events, get-togethers, and meetings that feel draining, overwhelming, or take too much of your energy. Again, use "I" statements. You might say something like, "I appreciate the invite, but I need some time to recharge," or "Can we meet up after the holidays?" or even, "Can we take a rain check? I could really use some time to rest." The key here is to remind yourself that when you're saying 'no' to others, you're actually saying 'yes' to your own well-being.
Saying 'no' to things you're too busy or tired to take part in or want to pass up for any reason allows you to honor your personal limits while maintaining positive relationships. It's a gentle way to set boundaries without guilt, giving you the space to enjoy the holiday season with a sense of balance and self-care.
Find Peace and Joy This Season by Setting Boundaries
While the holiday season is joyous for most people, it can easily become a list of obligations, pressure, and fatigue if we don’t set clear boundaries. Remember that setting boundaries isn't about letting others down—it's about honoring your own well-being and making space for genuine joy and connection without rush and tension. Check out 10 Tips for Dealing With Difficult Family during the Holidays.
If you're finding it challenging to balance holiday stress or set healthy boundaries, Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando FL, is here to support you. Our compassionate therapists can help you develop strategies to reduce stress and set boundaries.
Wishing you a season of warmth, self-care, and meaningful moments!
Ready to Start Anxiety Therapy in Orlando, FL?
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Not Quite Ready for Anxiety Therapy?
Our trained team will help you gain tools that will help you overcome any anxiety may be feeling to help you navigate the holidays. If you’re not ready, we understand. Take all the time you need and reach out when it feels right.
Additional Anxiety Therapy Resources
Anxiety Therapist Shares: 10 Gift Ideas for People With Anxiety
Guide to Choosing Your Word of the Year
21 Ways to Reduce Anxiety During the Holidays
21 De-Stressing Strategies that will Transform your Holiday
An Anxiety Therapist Shares Everything You Need to Know About Anxiety
Guided Meditation for Anxiety: Five-Sense Grounding
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando, FL
We provide a diverse range of therapy services! We offer anxiety therapy, toxic relationship therapy, EMDR therapy, teen counseling, and guided meditation. If you have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
About Anxiety Therapist: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
Lauran Hahn, LMHC, specializes in working with clients that are struggling with anxiety and clients who experience stress when being around family. She also specializes in boundaries and supporting her clients in healing from toxic relationships. Lauran works hard to help her clients feel calm in their bodies, at peace in their minds, and connected in relationships.