Feeling Holiday Anxiety? 5 Grace-Filled Ways to Find Peace This Season

Unfortunately, when I get overwhelmed by holiday chaos, my mind and body kick into overdrive. I complete tasks as fast as I can, run around like a chicken with my head cut off, and avoid taking breaks altogether. Before I know it, I find myself working 12 and 14-hour days because I can't seem to stop. Anxiety pushes me around like a boss, and I bend to its demands. 

After talking with my husband and counselor about this stress, they encouraged me to name what's actually making me anxious. On the surface, this sounds easy. Just name what's bothering you, right? But when you suffer from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), it can be much more difficult to pinpoint the exact culprit. 

If you can relate, please know two things: 1. You're not alone, and 2. It's possible to get to the bottom of what's causing you so much strife. Especially during the holidays, I encourage taking 5 minutes in the morning and evening to journal. You can reflect, pour out your worries, or write a prayer to God. Make it personal to you. 

Then, take a few minutes and ask the Lord to search your heart as you answer these questions: 

Are you stressed about expectations from others or yourself? 

Are you nervous about seeing family, or worried about how to respond to their pointed questions? 

Are you dealing with unresolved grief? Have you taken time to grieve losses? 

Are you facing social pressure to have a "Hallmark" holiday? 

• Friends, I know that naming what's actually making you anxious isn't easy. It might even temporarily cause more anxiety. But God is with us where we are, and He cares about how we feel. Remember: God meets us in truth, not pretend peace, and you don't have to pretend!
  
  

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• The second way to protect your mental health this holiday season isn't for the faint of heart. No one really likes setting or enforcing boundaries. However, when done effectively, boundaries can protect us and help us enjoy the holidays to their maximum potential. 

• Let's look at some practical examples:
• If you have a family member who is disrespectful, rude, or known for asking inappropriate or uncomfortable questions, here are some responses you might try:
• —"I appreciate you asking, but I don't want to discuss this right now."
• —"Thank you for caring about me. I'm still processing that, so let's talk about something else for now."
• — “I’m going to step out for a minute.”
• — “Let’s change the subject.”
• — “I love you, but I need a little space.”
• Setting boundaries with those you love isn't rude, but it is often necessary to love them the best we can. If this feels difficult, consider asking a friend, spouse, or other family member to support you during these challenging conversations. 

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• Because we live in a world that never slows down, we must become intentional about taking breaks, especially during the holidays. Creating "micro-rest" moments throughout your day doesn't have to be huge, but it does need to be consistent. 

• Taking breaks may initially feel counterproductive. My anxiety screams at me the moment I sit, pause, or take a deep breath. Why? Because of anxiety, everything needs to be done right now. Here's the truth: We weren't created to operate this way. We aren't machines, and we need and deserve rest to do our best work. 
• The next time your head is spinning, you're feeling overwhelmed, and like you can't breathe, pause. Everything in you is going to fight it, but fight back. Then, for 3-5 minutes, try one of these practices:
• -Do a breath prayer. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds while mentally reciting the first half of a Bible verse. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Then breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds while mentally reciting the second half of the Bible verse. 
• -Go for a walk. Without your phone, pay attention to the world around you. Listen for sounds, reflect on your feelings, and breathe deeply. You could pair this with a breath prayer, listen to music, or walk and talk to God. 
• -Take bathroom breaks. If you're hydrating, you should be going to the restroom. Go without your phone and wash your hands slowly. Look in the mirror, take some deep breaths, and focus on the present moment. 
• While none of these exercises are magic cures, they are small techniques that may help reduce some stress and improve your focus.
  
  

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• Before you attend that chaotic family dinner or rush to make 12 dishes for lunch, set aside some time to focus on what truly matters. Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Jesus came to see them, but Mary was stressed out about things that didn't really matter. 

• As Thanksgiving and Christmas draw near, be sure to prepare your heart spiritually beforehand. Meditate on Philippians 4. Memorize Psalm 46:10. Post Matthew 11:28 on a sticky note in your bathroom. Saturate your home in prayer, and pray at all times—especially when you're anxious or overwhelmed.
  
  

In Psalm 94:19, the Psalmist pens these words: "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy" (NIV). This is one of my favorite Scriptures to memorize because it reminds me that while I will experience anxiety, God cares enough about me to bring His joy while I'm still in the thick of it. His presence brings me joy, not because the anxiety is necessarily gone, but because He promises to be with me through it all.

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• At the end of the day, holidays are going to come and go, but you know what needs to remain constant? Your sanity and taking care of you. Self-care isn't selfish, especially when it means setting healthy boundaries, speaking up for yourself, and taking care of your mental well-being. This season, instead of pushing yourself past your breaking point, permit yourself. Permit yourself to do what you might wonder? Whatever your heart, soul, and mind need. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• -Leave earlier. 
• -Say no. 
• -Indulge in a sweet treat without punishing yourself. 
• -Resting. 
• -Taking time off from work. 
• -Taking a break when conversations get uncomfortable. 
• Being healthy is being holy, and we can only truly love others if we take care of ourselves well. Permitting yourself to do these things isn't a sign of weakness or failure—it means you're human and taking care of yourself as you were always intended. 
• This holiday season, one of these tips will help you slow down, breathe easily, and enjoy the moment. Gratitude isn't forced; instead, it is formed over time, and it's crucial to be genuine with God at all times. He honors honesty more than pretense, and He desires for you to care for your mental well-being.
  
  

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