Healing Through Forgiveness

The Holidays Are Coming: How To Stop Your Anxiety From Getting The Best Of You

25 October 2017 by Kurt Garrett

If you suffer from anxiety, the holidays can be devastating. You're trying to make sure that everything is perfect, that just ends up creating more stress and anxiety. If you're going to survive the holidays without having one – or several – gigantic anxiety attacks, you've got to make some plans. Here are four simple but effective steps you can take to keep anxiety out of the holidays.

Take Your Mind Off the Chaos

It's easy to get bogged down by anxiety when you're trying to keep track of everything that's going on around you. When you're life gets chaotic this holiday season, do what you can to take your mind off the chaos. One way to do that is to forget about all the holiday plans, and reach out to help others. Doing service for others can help you take your mind off your own stress and anxiety. Locate homeless shelter, or community kitchen, and volunteer some time helping others. The more you reach out to alleviate the stress of others, the more you'll find your own stress and anxiety washing away.

Don't Set Unrealistic Goals

You want to do everything for everyone. You want to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Unfortunately, your list keeps getting bigger, and your plans keep getting more elaborate. Before the holidays arrive, sit down and work out a realistic goal for yourself, including how much you can spend, who you can buy gifts for, and how many get-togethers you can attend. Once you have your realistic goals set out in front of you, don't set them aside for unrealistic goals. You'll find that as you stick to the goals you've set for yourself, the less stress and anxiety you'll need to deal with.

Give Your Partner an Escape Word

If you suffer from anxiety, ordinary holiday activities such as shopping and parties can take on a whole new meaning. If you've decided to venture out past your comfort zone, make sure you have someone with you who understands what you're going through. Before you leave, set up an escape word. Make sure your partner knows what the escape word is. When you've had enough, and you feel your anxiety level going through the roof, give your partner the word. That will be their cue to step in and make an excuse to get you out of the situation.

Sit Down with a Counselor

If your anxiety level gets out of control during the holidays, don't try to suffer through it alone. Sit down with your counselor. Schedule appointments throughout the holiday season so that you can get the help you need, when you need it. 

For more information, contact companies like The A Treatment Center.

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