I'm sure you do, as do I. The holidays can and often are a stressful time of year for everyone. However, if you already suffer with an anxiety disorder, the holidays can seem insurmountable. Here are a few suggestions from someone who has begun to get a hold on his holiday anxiety.



  1. Do not say "yes" to every holiday event. Allow yourself to get some quiet time during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. When you do say yes to a holiday visit, allow yourself to leave when you want and not feel stuck at a party or other event. Spend a comfortable amount of time and feel free to leave.
  2. Avoid heavy drinking. It may feel good when you are drinking, but the next day there is often rebound anxiety. A light "sociable" drink is fine, but avoid getting drunk.
  3. Eat light. Heavy eating drives your metabolism crazy and stresses your digestion. Both of these things can make you feel anxious.
  4. Avoid caffeine. It is common to be offered all manner of coffee, tea and chocolate over the holidays. Choose camomile tea and enjoy a "relaxing" warm drink. Also, warm cider is a very nice holiday drink.
  5. Get plenty of rest. Avoid late nights and early mornings. Lack of sleep will drive your anxiety level through the roof. Get lots of sleep and take daytime naps when you can fit them in (they always make you feel refreshed).
  6. Avoid placing undue stress on yourself. Do not volunteer to make whole meals for lots of people, instead have pot luck meals where everyone brings something. Do not feel like you need to give everyone a gift. Instead, gift only the people who really count in your life.
  7. Avoid the inevitable family and friend arguments that seem to crop up over the holidays. Do not take sides and stay away from them. Be the Switzerland in your family.
  8. And finally, if you are feeling anxious before some sort of holiday event (family gathering, church service, holiday party...etc), feel free to take some sort of anti-anxiety medication (such as a benzodiazepine) an hour or so before the event . You will find that the event will not carry as much stress and you will probably enjoy the event more.


The holidays can be a fun time if you allow yourself to be prepared for each event.


Take care,


Mike