I love (mostly) everything about this time of year – cozying up by a fire in my PJs, decorating my house for the holidays, and spending much-needed extra time with family and friends. One thing I don’t love about the holidays is all the extra anxiety I seem to get around this time of year though. It’s been pretty bad lately if I’m being honest. Like WOAH. Anxiety seems to creep up on me in an extra intense way that I just don’t know how to handle sometimes (which I’ve tried to share a little bit about on Insta Stories, though it’s hard to talk about or even admit sometimes). I know this is pretty common, and that I’m not the only one that deals with this. Here are some scenarios that can provoke extra stress during the holidays, and a few ways to help you deal with your anxiety::

How to Deal with Anxiety Surrounding Traveling

I’ve been traveling so much lately and have gotten super used to it, which means I don’t really get travel anxiety too often anymore – though I do get really burnt out. During the holidays, though? Completely different story, y’all! Obviously the airports are way more packed during the holidays, and the extra crowds don’t help. But crowds aside, for some reason everything about traveling feels more rushed and stressful during the holidays – from packing to actually making it to the airport on time. To help with the chaos of traveling during the holidays, I’m not going to wait until the last minute to pack my bag. I am going to be making packing lists weeks in advance for all of my travel, and I encourage you to do the same. The holidays are busy enough, so not having to worry about what you’re going to pack last minute will definitely help with your anxiety. Also, give yourself an extra hour to arrive at the airport during the holidays (something I’m REALLY trying to do) – that way you won’t feel as rushed and can maybe even stop for a glass of wine to ease your nerves before you board the plane.

How to Deal with Anxiety Surrounding Holiday Parties

Are you heading to any work holiday parties this year? Probs. I feel like it’s one thing to see your co-workers in the office every day, but it’s so different to see them at a setting like a holiday party, and it can cause some pretty real social anxiety. Or any networking/social events in general surrounding this time of year. Maybe you’re even heading to your significant other’s holiday party and don’t know a single person there? I’ve totally been there – it’s so scary. Instead of being nervous about small talk at a holiday party, try doing a little pre-party research about the attendees. Whether you hop on social media to see what your own co-workers have been up to, or ask your significant other who they think you’d vibe with at their work party, focus on trying to uncover some conversation starters that you can use if anxiety kicks in. Basically, having some convo clutches to help ease the situation or awkward social moments.

How to Deal with Anxiety Surrounding Gift Shopping

I’m super indecisive when it comes to gift giving – I always go back and forth with what I think a certain friend or family member would want (you too??). On one hand, I guess this means I’m extra thoughtful (maybe?) – but I find that my indecisiveness often leads to me waiting until the last minute to pick out gifts. And there’s nothing about procrastinating that doesn’t give me anxiety. Instead of waiting until the last minute to buy gifts, try setting deadlines for yourself to get certain family members and friends checked off your list. I’ve found that if you break them up and buy a certain number of gifts each week, it’s much more manageable. I like to make reminders for myself in my calendar, like “Buy so and so’s gift by Friday.” This has been helping big time with my procrastination and is already making gift buying much less stressful this year.

How to Deal with Anxiety Surrounding Reflecting on the Year

With 2018 quickly approaching, I often get anxiety when I start to reflect on this past year. Did I reach all the goals I set for myself? Did I have a productive year and experience self-growth? These are some questions that have continuously been swirling around in my head lately. Instead of worrying about what you haven’t accomplished, try making a list of all the things you did in 2017. It can be as little as “started positive self talk” to as big as “launched my new blog.” Once you see how much you’ve gotten done, you’ll be less likely to dwell on whatever it is you didn’t do. Believe me, this really really helps!

Is anxiety around the holidays an issue for you, too? Have you found ways to help you manage the extra stress that comes with this time of year?

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Outfit Details: Chelsea28 OTS Sweater // AG Raw Hem Jeans  (obsessed) // Topshop Brown Bootie (Topshop shoes usually run big I’ve found – size down 1/2 size) // Dior Nebuls Sunglasses