Our Holiday Stress Series explores what causes these changes, how to recognize the signs, and what truly helps you feel better during the holiday season.
Coping with holiday stress isn’t about forcing positivity, it’s about building emotional balance, boundaries, and self-compassion during a demanding season. When stress spikes, our nervous system needs regulation, not pressure. Learning how to cope with holiday stress can help you move from survival mode into steadier emotional ground.
1. Regulate Before You React
Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, making emotional reactions more intense.
Tip: Use slow breathing, grounding exercises, or brief walks to reset your nervous system.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
Saying yes to everything often leads to burnout and resentment.
Tip: Choose what aligns with your capacity. It’s okay to disappoint others to protect yourself.
3. Maintain Basic Routines
Sleep, nutrition, and movement often decline during the holidays, worsening mood and anxiety.
Tip: Stick to simple routines,even small consistency supports emotional balance.
4. Limit Stress Triggers
Alcohol overuse, overspending, and overexposure to difficult people can intensify stress.
Tip: Decide in advance what your limits will be with substances, money, and social energy.
5. Practice Emotional Self-Compassion
Many people judge themselves for feeling stressed during “happy” seasons.
Tip: Speak to yourself the way you would to a struggling friend, with kindness and patience.
Final Thoughts
Holiday stress is manageable, but it requires intention. Coping doesn’t mean eliminating stress completely. It means learning how to respond with steadiness, flexibility, and self-respect. With the right tools, the holidays can feel calmer, even if life remains imperfect.
Sources & References:
Mayo Clinic – Stress Management
Harvard Health – Nervous System Regulation
