13/11/2025
Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier each year and so does the stress the holidays bring. I have put together a few wee tips to get you through the season.
🧠 Your CBT Holiday Toolkit:
Challenge the "Shoulds": Notice if you're thinking, "I must buy the perfect gift," or "The dinner has to be flawless." These rigid thoughts create pressure. Ask yourself: Is this 100% true? What is 'good enough'? Reframing: "I will buy thoughtful gifts within my budget," or "The dinner will be a nice time, even if something goes wrong."
Schedule "Worry Time": Instead of letting stress bubble up all day, dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to writing down all your worries and to-dos. Once that time is up, consciously put those thoughts away until the next session.
Use Behavioral Activation: Stress often makes us avoid things we enjoy. Schedule a non-negotiable 30 minutes of something genuinely relaxing just for you (e.g., listening to music, taking a bath, reading). Consistency matters!
✨ Remember: The goal isn't a stress-free Christmas (that's unrealistic!), but a better-managed one. Be kind to yourself!
What's one thing you plan to do this week to lower your holiday stress? Share it below! 👇