IPS WELLBEING

Festive Stress

As we head into the really busy end of the year, it is important that we take time to acknowledge that sometimes the Christmas and NY period can be really stressful. Did you know there is a term called Festive stress? It is as the name suggests... 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. It’s something lots of us go through, and it’s worth having an honest chat about.

These 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, 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 have a variety of resources and supports that can help to manage the extra pressure and stress that this time of year presents for families. These are really valuable tools and can be accessed by following the link below:  

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing/festive-stress 

How to manage festive stress leading up to (and during) the end of year

If the end of year is causing increased stress and worry, and negatively impacting your mental health, some of the following tips may help.

• Try practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises. You can do these when you’re stressed or in preparation for feeling stressed.
• Schedule in ‘self-care’. Time alone matters. You can exercise, read, watch TV, or simply unwind doing nothing – whatever recharges your batteries.
• Simplify your to-do list. Being with loved ones is more important than rushing around to buy the most expensive presents or organising back-to-back activities.
• Remember what’s meaningful to you and focus on gratitude. Take a moment to be thankful for what you do have – not what you don’t have.