5 Tips For Managing End-of-Year Stress and Anxiety

5 Tips For Managing End-of-Year Stress and Anxiety

The end of the year is fast approaching and with it comes a lot of stress and anxiety. From holiday shopping to end-of-year deadlines, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to balance everything. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, it is possible to stay on top of our stress and anxiety levels. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 5 tips for managing end-of-year stress and anxiety.

1) Schedule some me time

Set aside a few hours each week to do something that brings you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, mindful stretching, reading a book, taking a bath, or engaging in one of your favorite hobbies make sure to block out the time in your schedule so that you don’t forget. I would also recommend finding something that allows you to be off of your cell phone because your phone or media can unintentionally add more stress and spike your cortisol levels. Tune into yourself and ask your body and mind what it needs at this moment. Maybe you need a fun workout class or maybe you need to do some deep breathing in nature, whatever it is, make sure you make time for it this holiday season.

2) Don’t try to do it all, set boundaries!

It’s common to experience a surge of end-of-year stress and anxiety as the year winds down. Between work and family obligations, holidays, and other commitments, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. If left unchecked, this stress can manifest into feelings of depression and inadequacy. Take some time to write down all your obligations as the year is ending, and consider what it is that you really need to do, and what can you say no to. Ask yourself, will this obligation bring me more stress, and if the answer is yes, consider saying no. You owe it to yourself to value your own needs and mental health above all else during this stressful period. Remember, every time you say no to something that doesn’t serve you, you say yes to yourself. You owe it to yourself to set boundaries and not feel guilty about it.

3) Stick to a routine

At the end of the year, it can be difficult to stay on top of our daily routines. It’s important to establish a regular routine for yourself and try to stick to it as best as possible, especially when traveling. This could mean establishing a morning and night routine. I would even recommend incorporating a 10-minute meditation into your routine. There are plenty of 10-minute guided meditations that you can use on Youtube, find one and use it daily or as often as possible. Make sure you are making time for eating meals, drinking water, exercising (even if it’s a short walk), and getting enough sleep. Allow yourself time to relax and unwind with activities like reading, journaling, or listening to music. Having a schedule can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

4) Manage your mindset

When experiencing high levels of stress it is easy to fall into a negative mindset. Pay attention to your thoughts (without judgment) and redirect your thoughts when you find yourself spiraling. For example, redirecting a negative thought from “Nothing is going right,” to “This is a stressful time, but I can get through it,” can be helpful. Every time you find yourself thinking negative thoughts find a realistic reframe and repeat the new thought over and over! You’ll see how helpful it can be.

5) Make the most of your wait

By now we all know that the holidays bring more traffic, crowded stores, long lines, and longer wait times. Make the most of your wait times by seeing it as a time to pause and breathe. You can also use it as a time to listen to relaxing music, listen to a podcast, make a gratitude list, or return your friend’s call. Managing your mindset in combination with making the most of your wait will greatly reduce your stress levels this holiday season. You got this!

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