Can the Holidays Increase Anxiety Levels?

With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning your celebrations with your loved ones. While this is the time for family traditions, gift-giving, and holiday cheer, the season can bring anxiety and stress for some people. Crowded holiday parties and the preparations that are involved with any celebration can produce intense feelings of anxiety, and many people may be worried that their holiday season will be ruined. Holiday anxiety is very common. There are ways that you can overcome the extreme feelings that may hinder you from spending time with your loved ones and enjoying the moment. Banyan Mental Health provides anxiety treatment in Boca Raton, and we can help you manage your condition this holiday season.

Why Do Anxiety Levels Rise?

There can be a lot of pressure that individuals feel during this time; they may feel like they need to make sure everything is absolutely perfect. This ultimately causes anxiety levels to rise and for people to shut down. Holiday travel can also trigger stress and panic when certain phobias have to be dealt with, such as the fear of flying. Anxiety can rise when people think about socializing with people in crowded areas at holiday parties. Follow these tips for managing your symptoms of anxiety this holiday season.

• Don’t Set Expectations. It’s important to take the pressure off of yourself so you can focus on enjoying your time with friends and family. Don’t set high expectations, because you may be let down if the holidays aren’t “perfect”.
• Focus on what you can control. You must let go of what you can’t control and shift your energy towards living in the moment. Attend holiday events that are important to you with people who you feel comfortable with.
• Remind yourself what the holiday season is all about. This is the time to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for all that you have. If you take a moment to put things into perspective, you will feel a sense of calmness and happiness that can offset anxiety.

If you are worried that you won’t be able to handle holiday stress this year, contact Banyan Mental Health at 888-280-4763. Our anxiety treatment in Boca Raton will help struggling individuals manage their symptoms in any situation.