Finding Calm Before the Holidays: Managing Anxiety and Overwhelm in a Busy Season
The end of the year can feel like a whirlwind. Even for those of us who love the festive season, November and December often bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and… stress. Many of my clients notice their anxiety ramping up around this time—whether it’s the pressure of social obligations, work deadlines, or simply trying to hold everything together.
If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Anxiety is a very normal response to a busy season, and it’s something we can manage with awareness, gentle strategies, and sometimes a little support from someone trained in mental health care.
Why the Holidays Trigger Anxiety
Even when life is going well, the end of the year can stir up feelings of overwhelm. There are often multiple “hats” we are wearing: professional, partner, parent, friend, or caregiver. Expectations—both internal and external—can quickly pile up. Anxiety often shows up as racing thoughts, tension in the body, irritability, or trouble sleeping.
Acknowledging these feelings is the first step. They don’t mean you’re failing or that something is “wrong” with you—they are your body and mind signalling that you need attention and care.
Grounding Strategies That Work
Over the years, I’ve found that simple, consistent practices can make a significant difference:
Body awareness: Take a few minutes each day to notice where you carry tension. Deep breathing, gentle stretches, or even a short mindful walk can help reset your nervous system.
Setting boundaries: Saying “no” to additional commitments isn’t selfish—it’s an act of self-care. Protecting your energy ensures you can show up fully where it matters most.
Reflective journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help process emotions and reduce mental clutter.
Scheduled pauses: Even brief breaks during the day—making a cup of tea, stepping outside, or practising a grounding exercise—can help you reconnect with calm.
When to Seek Extra Support
Sometimes, even with grounding practices, anxiety feels overwhelming or persistent. That’s when therapy—especially approaches like EMDR or trauma-informed care—can be incredibly helpful. Therapy is not just for moments of crisis; it’s also preventative. Investing in your mental health now can set you up for a more peaceful, joyful holiday season and beyond.
For My Fellow Clinicians
I also work with early-career social workers and mental health professionals who notice their stress or burnout rising during the holiday period. Reflection, supervision, and prioritising your own self-care are essential, not optional. If you’re interested in joining a small group supervision session early next year, I’ll be launching a focused 2-hour session in February 2026 designed to support growth, reflection, and professional confidence.
A Gentle Invitation
If you feel your anxiety creeping in, or you’re noticing your usual coping strategies aren’t enough, consider reaching out. Together, we can explore strategies to help you feel grounded and supported. Whether it’s a one-on-one therapy session, EMDR, or reflective supervision, there’s a way to move through this busy season with more ease and clarity.
You don’t have to wait until January to take care of yourself—the best time to nurture your mental health is now.
If this resonates, I invite you to reach out. Therapy and supervision are spaces where you can feel seen, supported, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Contact me at Get Perspective to explore how we can work together.