Let's Take Care Of That Holiday Stress: Part 1 - Recognizing Stress
Christmas season reminds me of some of the best times of my childhood. Now, as a mom, I enjoy making special memories with my kids. It's a time for joy, connection, and celebration.
For many people, the holidays also bring a heightened level of stress and mental health challenges. Understanding why these challenges peak during this season requires examining the physiological, psychological, and environmental factors impacting our well-being.
What Causes Holiday Stress?
Environmental Factors
Family Gatherings: Interactions with loved ones—whether warm or tense—activate the brain's social reward and threat systems. They can feel overwhelming, especially when unresolved tensions surface or cultural expectations add pressure.
Crowded Spaces: Busy malls and public spaces can overstimulate the brain's sensory processing centers and amplify social anxiety or stress.
Seasonal Pressures: From balancing packed work schedules to managing travel, the constant push for productivity drains your mental and physical resources.
New Year's Challenges: Fireworks or other sensory triggers may worsen conditions like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Physiological Factors
Physical Exhaustion: Juggling holiday prep, extended work hours, and travel can leave you drained. Running on adrenaline to meet holiday demands strains your body and brain, leading to burnout.
Substance Use: Increased alcohol consumption at gatherings can negatively affect mood and sleep.
Seasonal Changes: Less sunlight can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), disrupting mood-regulating hormones. This can make you feel down, foggy, or unmotivated.
Psychological Factors
Loneliness and Loss: This is a common experience as we see the contrast to the "gathering" messages this season. A perceived lack of social connection activates the brain's pain pathways, making emotional wounds feel physical.
Comparison and Self-Talk: Holiday crowds, parties, or social media highlight reels can trigger feelings of inadequacy, activating negative thought loops in the brain.
Past Memories: Unresolved emotions tied to previous holiday experiences may resurface.
Recognizing stress during this holiday season is essential to your well-being. Take the time to check-in with yourself everyday so you can catch any signs of stress, and take care of it right away. Read on to the next post to learn how you can prevent, manage, and overcome holiday stress. You can also connect with me on social media for more strategies Instagram @the_mental_path or Youtube @TheMentalPath.