Ways To Handle Social Anxiety Around the Holidays
The holiday season is always a busy time. Whether it be finding the perfect gifts for loved ones, meeting holiday deadlines, or organizing & planning gatherings or get-togethers, it’s easy to find your plate piling up quickly. Around the holidays, our social & work calendars fill up with countless events & gatherings. For those with social anxiety, that can become overwhelming, triggering feelings of stress & panic. I’ve shared some helpful ways to navigate social anxiety around the holidays & better enjoy the season’s festivities.
Learn about your social anxietY
It may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with your own psychological & physical symptoms of anxiety. This can help you better identify what your own triggers are, as well as how you react to those identified triggers. Being aware of what triggers you, as well as the response that follows, allows you to create a plan ahead of time to keep yourself comfortable.
define what is in your control
There are many things in life & during the holiday season that are out of our control. It may be helpful to make a list of your worries, sorting which worries or anxious thoughts are in your control & which are not. Creating and visualizing a tangible list can help ease any feelings of fear & anxiety you may be feeling.
confide in your family & friends
Our own thoughts & feelings can be difficult to translate effectively to our friends and family, opening the door for miscommunication. Sometimes, even with the best intentions at heart, our loved ones can add to levels of social anxiety. It may be helpful to try your best to communicate your needs to your friends & family so they can help you in the ways that are best for you.
pre-plan topics to discuss
Preparing a list of topics to discuss beforehand can help in easing the pressure you may feel surrounding social events during the holiday season. Likewise, it may be a good idea to make a list of topics you’d like to avoid. This way, if you find yourself in an uncomfortable conversation, you have already prepared yourself an exit strategy that works best for you.
take breaks when needed
Socializing during the holidays can be draining for almost anyone, and taking necessary breaks is totally okay. Make sure to take time for yourself when you can, indulging in self-care. This can look like going for a walk, reading a book, cooking your favorite meal, or watching a feel-good movie.
the power of ‘no’
Remember that it is totally okay to decline an event or say ‘no’ to a gathering if your social battery is becoming overwhelmed & drained. Setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries are essential in effectively managing social anxiety. Remind yourself that it is okay to decline invitations and always be sure to listen to yourself if you feel you need to take a step back or say ‘no’.
