The holiday season is filled with joy, traditions, and love—but it can also be a stressful time. Hosting, traveling, and other seasonal activities can disrupt your usual routines. Even welcome interruptions can leave you feeling worn out and off balance.
You don’t want to start the new year feeling burned out. Instead, use this guide from the family medicine team at Living Water Clinic – Clinica Agua Viva to manage holiday stress. If you need extra support this year, our team is here for you in Porterville, Lindsay, Visalia, and Woodlake, California.
When spreading holiday cheer, it’s easy to focus on everyone else and forget yourself. That’s a fast track to burnout. This year, work on staying centered while caring for others.
Take time to check in with yourself: How are your stress levels? Are you feeling unusually tired, on edge, or overwhelmed? Do you need a break or the help of others to delegate responsibilities? Remember, traditions can be flexible—adapt them to meet your needs.
Prioritizing self-care reduces the risk of burnout. Taking an afternoon off to recenter may be the best thing you can do in the middle of the holiday whirlwind. Consider stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or aromatherapy for an extra soothing boost.
Without healthy coping strategies, holiday stress can lead to harmful habits such as overindulging in sugary or fatty foods or drinking too much alcohol. These may provide temporary relief, but they can negatively impact overall health, particularly for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions.
Healthier alternatives—like a brisk walk outdoors or a nutritious snack—offer longer-lasting benefits.
Mood swings are another common response to holiday stress, including heightened feelings of excitement, sadness, or frustration. Big emotions are normal as families gather, celebrate, or remember loved ones who are absent. If your emotions feel overwhelming, seeking support can help.
If holiday stress feels heavy this year, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Support is often closer than you think—including from the team at Living Water Clinic.
Our primary care providers can assist with seasonal illnesses, pre-travel vaccinations, and unexpected health emergencies, making your holidays a little easier.
We also offer stress management and nutritional counseling. If you notice holiday stress building, reach out for personalized advice from our licensed professionals, available in-person or via telemedicine:
Have your happiest, healthiest holidays yet this year. Everyone is stronger with the right support. To schedule an appointment, call now or book online.
