Merry Christmas from GP Care Now.
19th December 2025
How to manage the stresses and strains of the festive period.
Christmas is a time for celebration, a time for family, a time for joy – right? Well not for everyone. Lots of people find Christmas a very stressful period of time and mental health can take a downturn over the festive period.
There are lots of things which can make Christmas more stressful than other times of the year. The financial strain of buying not only the presents but the food and groceries that make Christmas day really special. The stress of seeing family members who you don’t see at any other time of the year, maybe for good reason. The pressure of increased social events but still maintaining the routine of work and school. The stress of feeling like everyone else is having a good time when perhaps you are alone and have no-one to celebrate with. All these things can affect our mental health making Christmas less the season to be jolly and more bah humbug.
So what can you do to make Christmas more enjoyable and less stressful?
Manage Expectations
Managing peoples’ expectations over Christmas can go a long way to making the festive season more enjoyable for all. Talking to family, especially young children about having realistic ideas about presents and being honest about what you can commit to, will help you to be able to relax more. Christmas does not have to be perfect.
Plan Ahead
Getting things ready in advance can take a lot of pressure off the big day. Don’t try and do everything yourself, delegating tasks to other family members can be helpful and lighten the load.
Maintain a Routine
Sticking to a familiar routine can help keep a sense of normality in the build up to the big day which can lessen anxiety.
Exercise
Trying to keep to your regular exercise regime can help with both stress reduction and managing those extra calories. Going out for a walk in the fresh air can help to clear your mind.
Eat Well
Try to balance those Christmas treats with some healthier snacks and meals.
Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
Try not to feel pressured in to drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen your low mood and anxiety. Stick to low alcohol drinks or intersperse a non-alcoholic drink in between those glasses of fizz.
Sleep Well
Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining your mental health. The extra socialising at Christmas time can mean we get less sleep which negatively impacts your mood. Try to catch up on missed sleep and avoid too many late nights.
Get Help
If you do feel overwhelmed and anxious this Christmas, make sure you seek some help. Talking to people about your concerns and worries can really help you to feel better. Sharing your anxiety with friends or family can be beneficial and often you realise that other people feel the same way and then you don’t feel so alone.
If you are having significant emotional struggles, panic attacks or feel your mood has dropped, then speak to a medical professional or your GP about how you are feeling. They might recommend counselling or CBT therapy and will sometimes suggest you try medications like anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants.
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/a30167633/christmas-anxiety/