Skip to content
Gaming Evolution Unveiled — Boost Your Mood: Mental Health & Gambling — personal-growth — european-leagues

5 Expert-Backed Ways to Ease Holiday Stress Before It Overwhelms You

The holidays don’t have to drain you. A therapist reveals how small, intentional steps can shield your mental well-being when family tensions and finances pile up.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
In this image there is a book on that book there is some text and pictures below that book there...
In this image there is a book on that book there is some text and pictures below that book there are blankets.

5 Expert-Backed Ways to Ease Holiday Stress Before It Overwhelms You

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and stress for many people. While it can mean time with loved ones and celebration, it also creates pressure that affects mental well-being. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that nine out of ten U.S. adults link their stress to finances, grief, and family conflict—factors that often intensify during this period.

Therapist and senior director at Lion’s Story, Shamm H. Petros, has shared five practical strategies to help people cope with holiday stress. The first tip involves journaling before family gatherings to pinpoint and assess emotional triggers. This approach helps individuals prepare rather than react impulsively in tense moments.

The second suggestion focuses on understanding one’s 'body map'—recognising how emotions physically manifest, such as tension in the shoulders or a racing heart. By identifying these signals early, people can take steps to calm themselves before stress escalates. For immediate relief, Petros recommends breathing exercises like 'box breathing', a technique that involves slow, controlled inhales and exhales to restore calm. Another key tip is preparing respectful but firm responses to steer conversations away from sensitive or heated topics. Finally, Petros advises having an exit strategy in place. If stress becomes overwhelming, leaving a situation early or taking a break can prevent emotional overload. Support is also available through helplines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Philadelphia Crisis Line, Mental Health Delegate Line, Healthy Minds Philly / DBHIDS, and United Way 211.

The APA’s findings highlight how financial worries, grief, and family tensions weigh heavily on people during the holidays. With practical tools and accessible resources, individuals can better navigate stress and protect their mental health. These strategies aim to make the season more manageable for those feeling the strain.

Read also:

Related

Latest