Anxiety and the Holidays

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Anxiety and the Holidays
4
Tue, 12-06-2005 - 11:52am
Any tips on coping with stress at the holidays? It always seems to exaggerate my anxiety levels and I'm not good at preventing it. I try to stay away from malls and other places that make me claustrophobic but sometimes my stress level gets the best of me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Tue, 12-06-2005 - 12:07pm

Hi there!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Tue, 12-06-2005 - 12:11pm

Hello,

You know, I've noticed that a lot of people who suffer from anxiety and other similar conditions become quite overwhelmed around the holiday time. I thank God this is not the case for me. Actually now that the holidays are here I'm finding myself so much more at peace and happy. I love the holidays.

I think I could still offer up some advice though. Maybe. lol I see no reason to just take a step back from the hustle and bustle. Perhaps it's easiest to shop online. I know a few people who do that just to avoid those crowded malls. If you are typically the one who hosts a Christmas get-together, maybe see if someone else could do it in your place this year. I think the key is to take off as much pressure as possible. Lower your own expectations of what you think others are expecting from you. And meditate more than ever!!! :)

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Tue, 12-06-2005 - 1:30pm
Thanks! I've learned to do most of my shopping online and avoid the malls after Thanksgiving. I live in NJ and it's very hectic normally let alone at the holidays. I know what my triggers are so I do what I can to avoid them. Gotta start meditating more regularly too!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 12-06-2005 - 8:47pm
Online shopping can't be beat:) I do like to get out & wander along the outskirts of the crowd to get a little spirit. But I keep my escape plan in mind. My biggest problem is the depression that can set in because my only ds died @ holiday time. (((hugs))) jan