Student Wellbeing

Festive stress

Festive stress is that feeling of being swamped or overwhelmed in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year.

Lots of people find this time of year stressful, for lots of reasons. 

How stress can show up during the holidays

Stress can show up in different ways. In the short term, it might feel like tension, feeling irritable worry or dread.

Over time, it can affect your mental health and make existing conditions harder to manage. Physical symptoms like headaches, poor sleep, and fatigue are common too.

.Encourage  a regular routine, getting a good night’s sleep helps young people to feel energised, focused and motivated. 

Why Christmas and New Year can feel extra hard

The holidays can bring extra stress from money worries, juggling work, family and social events, and navigating tricky relationships or family conflicts.

There’s the gift shopping, work deadlines, school events, family catchups, planning meals, organising travel, and getting ready for New Year’s – it can feel like a lot. This time of year can also bring challenges like family tensions, money worries, social expectations, hosting duties, alcohol, and travel.

Feeling like you have to say yes to everything can be tiring. The pressure to live up to other people’s experiences, especially on social media, and reflecting on the year that’s passed can also add pressure on your mental wellbeing.

(Beyond Blue)

 

Jenny Willmott

Deputy Principal and Student Wellbeing