Dealing with stress and anxiety over the festive period

The festive season may bring sparkle and joy, but for some people it also brings pressure, expectations and disruption.

According to Mind, Christmas can be especially difficult because of money worries, practical issues, loneliness, complex relationships and unrealistic expectations. At Shropdoc we want to remind you: You don’t have to strive for perfection. Being kind to yourself is one of the most important things you can do at any time of the year, but especially over the festive period.

Striving for perfection

It’s helpful to recognise the reasons why people might be feeling pressure or low mood around Christmas:

• The expectation that things must be “perfect” - the perfect tree, the perfect lunch, the perfect mood - can leave you feeling like you’re failing when things don’t match up.
• Disruption of routine: Travelling, staying somewhere else, attending gatherings, maybe having less control over your schedule or sleep can all unsettle your mental health.
• Financial and practical burden: Gifts, food, travel and hosting can all add stress, which in turn affects wellbeing.
• Loneliness, grief or exclusion: For some people the festive period highlights absence of family, of tradition, of connection, or forces them into social situations that feel difficult.
• Comparison and social media: Seeing idealised festive imagery can make you feel inadequate or disconnected from what you’re experiencing

Practical tips to reduce stress and anxiety this festive season

Understanding that it's normal to feel stress, low mood or anxiety at this time can be a first step in being kind to yourself. This isn’t just a nice phrase; it’s a tangible way of caring for your mental health by allowing space for imperfection and choosing gentler expectations.

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Don’t aim for “perfect”, aim for “good enough.” Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) remind us that a perfect Christmas is rarely achievable, and that focusing on what really matters - such as connection, rest and kindness - is far more meaningful.
It’s okay to do less, delegate, or skip things that cause more stress than joy.

2. Allow Yourself to Feel What You Feel

You might not feel festive or happy all the time and that’s okay. The charity, Mind, encourage people to “let yourself experience your own feelings. Even if they don’t match what’s going on around you, they’re still valid.”

3. Take Breaks and Make Space for Rest

Schedule quiet moments amid the busyness - even just a few minutes of calm can help. The NHS suggests practising deep breathing, mindfulness or short walks to reduce stress.
PTHB call this planning “Silent Nights”, which are device-free time for reflection or relaxation.

4. Keep Some Routine

Maintain small anchors of structure throughout chaos! Regular meals, sleep times, gentle activity will all help to support your mental health and prevent feeling overwhelmed.

5. Watch Out for Comparison

Try not to measure your celebrations against the “perfect” images in adverts or online. Focus on real conversations and moments instead of the highlight reels of others. And remember, you can’t always trust what you see online!

6. Spend Mindfully

Financial pressures can fuel anxiety. Set realistic budgets, give homemade or low-cost gifts, and remember that thoughtfulness matters more than expense.

7. Move, Eat, Sleep and Hydrate

These simple steps go a long way in supporting your emotional balance. NHS Wales’ “Christmas checklist” highlights staying hydrated, being responsible with alcohol and getting fresh air where possible.

8. Stay Connected and CHECK on others around you

Even brief contact, a phone call, walk, or shared meal, can lift your mood. Both Mind and NHS England stress that sharing how you feel can ease isolation and help you feel supported. At Shropdoc we would encourage you to CHECK on others over the festive period:

• Care - reach out to friends, family, or neighbours.
• Help - offer support if someone needs it.
• Everyone counts - you don’t need to be a professional; checking in matters.
• Consistency - small regular contact makes a difference.
• Keep connected - strong communities support wellbeing.

9. Plan Ahead for Tricky Moments

Identify situations that may feel stressful (such as family dynamics or crowded events) and plan coping strategies. For example, taking breaks, stepping outside for air, or bringing a comforting item.

10. Reflect and Be Kind

At the end of each day, PTHB suggest writing down three small positives - even tiny moments like a smile, a walk, or enjoying a warm drink. This simple practice can improve mood and help you focus on gratitude rather than perfection.

A message from Shropdoc

If you’re reading this and feeling the pressure already building - pause, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you matter and your wellbeing matters The festive season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s okay to do less, to rest, to ask for help and to feel however you feel.

If you are finding things really hard and you feel anxious, overwhelmed, isolated or in despair - please reach out. You do not have to cope alone.

Visit Mind’s Christmas support page.

In England and Wales, you can also access NHS111 mental health support, the PTHB Wellbeing and Mood service or Mental Health Services - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

We hope this season can bring moments of warmth, connection and rest, in whatever form those take for you. Let’s aim for “good enough” rather than “perfect”, and let’s be gentle with the expectations for ourselves and each other.

Wishing you peace, presence and kindness.

The Shropdoc Team