Managing Anxiety Over the Holidays

I love the holidays...I loathe the holidays...There’s so many people to see...I don’t want to see anyone...I want to be generous....I don’t want to overspend...

There are countless possible stressors in any given year around the winter holidays, but this year, they may be augmented, as we move closer and closer towards the new normal.

While the holidays can bring joy and connection, they can also be extremely stressful and increase feelings of loneliness.

Many of us are “out of practice” socially and the reintroduction to family gatherings, parties and travel may have us feeling on edge. The holidays may also highlight our feelings of isolation. We are still, as we know, in a pandemic, which adds an extra layer of stress to a time of year already laden with it.

Here are 5 ways to help manage anxiety and depression:

1. Talk it out.

Whether it’s with a friend, family member or therapist, getting your concerns out of your mind and into the world can do wonders for managing anxiety. When we get stuck in our own heads, thoughts can roll around and around and take on a life of their own.

Talking with someone else can help change the story you are telling yourself. A fresh perspective can help reframe your situation or simply help you feel connected. Hearing “me too” is one of the most powerful ways to feel better.

2. Self-care means being selfish!

Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

Some options may include:
- Taking a walk at night and stargazing
- Listening to soothing music
- Reading a book
- Meditating

3. Meditate.

First thing in the morning, pick up your phone and meditate (there are plenty of free options on Youtube) instead of scrolling through social media or checking email.

As you start your day with messages that fuel your sense of calm, centre your thoughts in a positive way and connect with spirit, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change itself) will slowly start to shift away from anxiety and depression and into balance.

4. Use technology.

When overwhelm starts to take over, check in with an app. There are many apps that can help with breathing strategies, ways to reframe your situation and calm yourself down.

Here are 5 that may help:

- Mindshift
- Headspace
- Rootd
- Stop, Breathe and Think
- DARE – Break Free from Anxiety

5. Reduce Oxidative Stress through Nrf2 Activation.

Oxidative stress has been tied to anxiety and depression in over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies. There are several ways to reduce oxidative stress and most of them take a lot of effort and money.

Alternatively, you can take 1 all-natural pill that is patented to reduce oxidative stress by an average 40% in 30 days. Side effects include: sounder sleep, more energy, calmer and uplifted mood and less brain fog.

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