The holidays can be stressful for everyone.

Many people can experience stress and anxiety leading up to a holiday, making some holidays less enjoyable. Expectations come with the holidays, such as buying a gift or attending a party. We are often asked to spread ourselves thin, trying to make everyone else happy for the holidays.

Some may feel the holidays have become more commercialized or the focus has become less on spending time with family. 

For the veteran population or anyone with a mental health or physical challenge, the holiday experience can be overstimulating, anxiety-provoking, and exhausting.

For some with mental health conditions, the symptoms can be intrusive and come with extra unique challenges.

 Below are tips that can help to reduce the holiday stress.

1. Don’t over-commit, know your limit, and say no when necessary. Remember, no is a complete sentence.Further explanation, while you might choose to provide one, is not necessary.
2. Talk to a peer, counselor, or trusted person if you feel overwhelmed.
3. Don’t overextend yourself; plan for downtime to recharge and unwind.
4. Know your comfort zone. When you go to a party or family gathering, step away when you need to. Take a walk or go to the restroom.
5. Ask for help if there is a task you can’t complete.
6. Plan. Give yourself time, and don’t wait till the last minute to avoid the increased stress that naturally occurs when we feel pressured or rushed.
7. If you are hosting a holiday party, ask everyone to bring a dish to pass. This way, you won’t have to do all the cooking and baking.
8. Practice self-care.
9. Take time and allow yourself to be present and mindful.

Make a holiday budget and stick to it. Don’t overwhelm yourself financially.

• Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans exceed their budgets during the holidays? So, sooner rather than later, it’s time to plan and consider whether financial assistance might be necessary.
• Click the image below to find out how you can search for local resources if you think holiday-help might be necessary!

HOPE can help. Below is a link to our services.

• Physical and Emotional Wellness
• Financial Wellness and Life Roles
• Social Support and Community Connection
• HOPE is also part of The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic.

Do you just want more information? 

Connect to services today to see how HOPE can help you manage holiday stress and plan for the New Year. Whatever goals you want to set for yourself, HOPE can help you achieve them. 

Written by: Jenna LaFratta MSW, LMSW

Jenna LaFratta is a military child, a gold star sister, and a licensed master social worker. 

Jenna feels it is one of her purposes in life to give back to the military community through volunteer work and social work. Before coming to Hope Jenna was a private therapist specializing in grief, postpartum depression, and eating disorders. 

Not feeling like that was the right focus for her career in social work, Jenna shifted her focus to military social work. 

At Hope For The Warriors Jenna has worked as an RSW (regional social worker).  Jenna provides veterans and their families support while working with them to help with financial needs. 

*For more from HFTW, visit their M:M Author Page.