As we bid goodbye to Navratri and Dussehra, the anticipation for festivities like Karwachauth, Diwali, Bhai Dooj and several others, is at its peak. While these festivals are marked by joy, excitement, family reunions, and cultural traditions, they also often underscore a unique kind of stress or anxiety. In this regard, it’s common for individuals to become overwhelmed due to the planning and preparation associated with these events. Recent studies have shown that the stress of meeting expectations, managing finances, and juggling social responsibilities can adversely affect mental health during these high-spirited festive times.
Festivals by their vernacular definition are expected to bring joy, however, they also bring along stress. A study performed by the American Psychological Association confirms that about 60% of the respondents felt elevated stress levels during the holiday season. The major stress inducers were:
Firstly, financial strain triggered by the cost of offering gifts, traveling for family visits, and preparing festive meals. Reportedly, an average American was estimated to incur around $998 on holiday-related expenses in 2021, which evidently added to financial anxiety.
Secondly, the social obligations also add pressure on many people. The need to attend numerous events often creates feelings of obligation over enjoyment. To keep up with the relations also leads to heavy emotional burden.
Thirdly, high expectations and perfectionism imposed by oneself can heighten the stress levels. Studies from the Journal of Happiness Studies convey that individuals who set high expectations on themselves during celebrations are more likely to experience feelings of upset and stress.
Lastly, poor time management is another stressor. Striking a balance between professional responsibilities, family commitments, and festive preparations could turn out to be very daunting. It is quite prevalent to see individuals feeling overwhelmed by their endless to-do lists during the festive period.
To make sure that the festive season remains joyous, here are few strategies to help manage stress and maintain mental wellness:
Set realistic expectations. Do not expect everything to fall in place as planned. While it’s natural to aim for a seamless rundown of events, remember that embracing the moment matters more than striving for perfection.
Budgeting wisely can also alleviate financial strain. Draw a budget factoring in all the holiday-related expenses including presents, travel, food etc. To manage their finances, a 50/30/20 paradigm could be followed where 50% income is spent on necessary expenses, 30% on personal wants and 20% is saved.
Making time for self-care can help reduce stress significantly. It could be any activities like regular exercising, practicing mindfulness, curling up with a good book or any other hobby that aids in unwinding.
Practicing mindfulness such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help calm the body and mind, thereby reducing stress greatly. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology underlines that mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress levels and promote overall wellness.
One might consider reducing time spent on social media sites. Social media often fuels feelings of inadequacy and invites comparisons, especially during festive times. Spending less time on these sites could prevent unwarranted stress and allow focus on real-life connections.
Open communication is another effective strategy. If you ever feel overwhelmed by stress, feel free to share your feelings with friends or family. Understanding and support can be fostered through open and honest communication.
Learn to say no when needed. If things seem to be getting out of hand, it is completely fine to decline certain invitations. Setting boundaries can aid in maintaining your mental health and enable you to focus on celebrations that hold worth for you.
Engaging in physical activity is a scientifically proven stress buster. Activities like brisk walks, yoga, or even fun-filled dance classes can trigger the release of endorphins and uplift your mood.
Lastly, seek professional aid if feelings of stress or anxiety become overwhelming. Therapy can offer significant coping strategies and guidance during these challenging times. With these strategies in your personal toolbox, tackling festival-related stress should become easier, allowing for a more joyous holiday season.
