The holidays are upon us, which means celebrating with relatives and family. This can be a very stressful time for many people. In fact, there is a noticeable increase in the number of people who drink or use drugs over the holidays. Holiday stress is a real concern for many people, and it can lead to an addiction if you are not careful.
At The Ranch, we welcome individuals struggling with high stress levels during the holidays. We understand that stress levels increase during this time, and we can work with you to talk about any potential conflicts. You will participate in group and private therapy sessions where you will learn healthy coping mechanisms to reduce your stress levels.
For more information regarding our anxiety treatment programs, call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation.
Why Are the Holidays So Stressful?
The holidays are a time for celebrating with family and friends and reminiscing about years past. It can also be a very stressful time for many people who are hosting this year’s festivities. Alcohol and drug use increase during this time of year, and if you are not careful, it can lead to a substance use disorder.
Holiday stress comes from having unrealistic expectations of this time of year. Many people look forward to the holidays and can feel stressed when it does not live up to their expectations. There can be financial stress due to expensive trips and traveling, and family arguments may arise over the holidays. It can lead many people to drink and use recreational drugs as a means of coping.
If you do drink or use drugs, remember that it can increase your dependence. Anxiety can cause high blood pressure, sweating, and shaking, and it can be very easy to drink or use drugs to feel better. It can be very easy to begin abusing a substance, which can lead to an addiction.
The Ranch welcomes anyone who is struggling with addiction caused by holiday stress. We will develop a comprehensive treatment program based on your individual symptoms that will teach you healthy coping mechanisms to handle high levels of stress.
5 Tips for Dealing with Holiday Stress
The holidays can be very stressful sometimes, especially if you are planning on hosting or throwing a holiday get-together. If you need some tips to manage stress, here are five tips for managing holiday stress:
- Plan Ahead
Hosting a holiday party can be very stressful. You have family visiting that you may only see a few times a year, and those times are typically very stressful. Remember to practice meditation and yoga during the holidays. If you are working with a therapist, continue working with them to vent your frustrations and practice your coping skills.
- Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help over the holidays. If you cook, have family members bring a side dish or dessert. Invite friends over to help with wrapping presents and gifts. If you have family coming in from out of town, hire a van service to pick them up.
- Simplify Travel
If you are traveling for the holidays, try to book flights that are non-stop to avoid rushing to catch a second or third flight. The more flights on your itinerary opens you up to long waits, missed flights, and sleeping overnight at the airport. If you are driving, plan out your route ahead of time. Don’t forget to book hotels in advance and plan to make several stops along the way. If you can, visit a tourist stop that’s on your route.
- Respect Each Other’s Opinions
If you have family members who think differently than you, stress levels can increase dramatically. Remember to respect other’s opinions and realize that you only get to see them a few times a year. Try to avoid hot-button topics, and be prepared to change the conversation if things start to get intense by offering games or other holiday-themed activities.
- Drink Responsibly
People turn to recreational drugs and alcohol over the holidays to deal with high levels of stress. Remember that inhibitions are lower when you drink, and you may unintentionally start an argument. Drink responsibly during the holidays by limiting the amount of alcohol. Have a non-alcoholic drink instead of alcohol.
Call Today to Join The Ranch for Our Anxiety Treatment Program
The Ranch supports Tennessee residents who deal with high levels of stress over the holidays. Our anxiety treatment program can teach you coping skills and give you an open space to vent frustrations, talk about family issues, and find new ways of reducing your stress.
If you are dealing with holiday stress, send us a message online or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can reduce your stress levels.
