How to Manage Stress During the Festive Season
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The festive season in Australia is often imagined as a joyful time full of celebrations, summer holidays, and connection. But for many people, holiday stress is a very real experience. Between end of year deadlines, Christmas shopping, social events, family expectations, and financial pressure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re looking for simple strategies and resources to manage stress during Christmas and support your festive season mental health, these practical tips can help you find balance and enjoy the holiday period with more ease.
Acknowledge Your Feelings During the Holidays
The festive season can bring up mixed emotions, especially if you’ve experienced loss, change, or are adjusting to new traditions. Feeling sadness or grief at Christmas is more common than many people realise. Give yourself permission to experience these emotions. There’s no rule that says you must feel cheerful simply because it’s the holidays with compassion.
Reach Out to Reduce Holiday Loneliness
End of year loneliness can intensify stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling isolated, try reaching out to someone you trust or joining a local event. Volunteering, community gatherings, or simply catching up for a coffee can help boost your mood and create a sense of connection. Social contact, however small, can make a real difference to your mental health during Christmas. For tips on coping with loneliness or feeling isolated during the holidays, check out our Creating Connection Tip Sheet.
Be Realistic About What the Festive Season Looks Like Now
Traditions change. Families shift. Circumstances evolve. The “perfect holiday” you see in movies or on social media isn’t realistic for most people. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on what matters most to you this year. Adopting a flexible mindset can significantly lower holiday overwhelm and help you enjoy the season with less pressure. For practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety during busy periods, see our Managing Stress Tip Sheet.
Let Go of Holiday Expectations
Spending time with loved ones can sometimes bring tension, especially when expectations are high. Try to accept people as they are, even when things don’t go exactly to plan. If conflicts arise, it’s okay to put difficult conversations aside and return to them when everyone feels calmer. Remember that others may also be feeling the effects of stress management during the holidays
Stick to a Budget to Reduce Christmas Stress
Financial pressure is one of the biggest causes of holiday stress in Australia. Before you start shopping, set a realistic budget for gifts, food, and entertainment and commit to it. Meaningful holidays aren’t defined by expensive presents. Often, the most valuable gift you can give is your time, attention, and care.
Plan Ahead to Manage Festive Season Stress
Planning is one of the most effective holiday wellbeing strategies. Planning and scheduling shopping, menus, cooking and events in advance can reduce last minute stress and gives you more time to enjoy the season.
Learn to Say No
The festive season fills up fast. If you’re feeling stretched, it’s okay to decline invitations or step back from commitments. Overcommitting increases holiday fatigue, and resentment. If you can’t say no, try to remove or delegate another task so your schedule stays manageable.
Take Time for Yourself
Carving out even just 15 minutes of personal time each day can help you reset. Whether it’s reading, sitting quietly, stretching, meditating, or going for a short walk, personal downtime is a powerful tool for coping with holiday stress and staying grounded.
Seek Professional Support If You Need It
If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or physically run down, consider reaching out to a GP, counsellor, or mental health professional. Support is available, you do not have to manage everything alone.
If your organisation partners with an Employee Assistance Program, remember that confidential, short term counselling is available to help you navigate festive season stress, family challenges, grief, financial worries, and more. Contact us to learn more about our counselling services for personalised support