Christmas anxiety (and how to beat it next year!)

[WinniePig]

Hello! Anyone got any top tips for beating anxiety over the Christmas period? I had an attack this year and it really spoilt it. I have noticed that my anxiety levels tend to increase over the festive period but I normally manage to control them. On reflection, I am wondering whether it is a combination of vitamin D deficiency; suddenly having time to ruminate (I usually work flat out and then suddenly come to halt when I break for a fortnight’s holiday over Christmas); lack of routine; and pressure in terms of trying to make sure the DC have the same fantastic Christmas that I had growing up. I’ve just started taking vitamin D and am revisiting online meditation sessions. I’m also wondering whether I should look into booking Christmas lunch at a restaurant to give a bit of structure and purpose to the day. What do you think?

I suffer for anxiety as does my dd and we find planning things far in advance helps. We start planning for Christmas in September usually.

Will remember that - thank you. This year I was pretty well organised as had so much time on hands (lockdown!) I think the key for me is to keep things simple and have a bit of a plan that I stick too.

Glad I'm not the only one!

Tbh there are actually a lot more jobs to do, cards, shopping, cleaning, decorating, wrapping, loads more decision s to make, travel, keeping extended family happy bla bla. It's no wonder if you're prone to stress anxiety it come out then.

I really feel for me the change this coming year will be to share jobs more equally with DH. He has MH issues so I always take on way more than my fair share as I don't trust he will do any of it at all this year I'll give him several months notice!
And a clearly worded list and regular reminders. Digital perhaps so I don't have to .

Yes restaurant is good option. Also tha last couple of years we have kept it v v small and not travelled due to pregnancy, baby or covid. I have completely loved having instant christmas dinner posh ready meals packets of pre prepped veg sides/ deserts etc. Normally I'm an everything from scratch kind of cook. A total indulgence.