Holiday Shopping Surge Sparks Stress Relief Tips from Experts

UPDATE: Holiday shopping is in full swing as crowds flocked to Target in River Park, Fresno early Friday morning, eager to grab the best deals. Shoppers like Destiny Real are on the hunt for discounted AirPods and Beats headphones, signaling the start of the holiday season. However, this festive time can also bring significant stress.

Experts warn that high expectations can lead to holiday anxiety. Coraline Robinson, a licensed Family and Marriage Therapist at Balance Treatment Center, explains, “When we have high expectations, what happens? Well, they can only go down, right?”

According to the American Psychiatric Association, last year, 28% of Americans reported increased holiday-related stress. The primary stressors identified include gift buying, family dynamics, and grief. With these pressures mounting, experts are urging individuals to prioritize their mental health.

Robinson emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and taking breaks during this hectic time. “Taking a few deep breaths, finding a private room,” she advises. “It’s really important when we’re under stress with our families.”

Physical activity is another recommended strategy for managing stress. “We want to depress our nervous systems,” says Robinson. “By ramping it up with exercise before a big gathering, we can enter the event calm and ready.”

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in stress levels. Robinson advises monitoring alcohol and sugar intake, which can exacerbate anxiety during the holidays.

For those feeling overwhelmed by holiday spending, Robinson has practical advice. “There’s going to be a lot of pushing, marketing, different things online right now,” she warns. “It’s good to take a break and lose yourself in an audiobook or podcast.”

Experts remind us that it’s essential to step back from the holiday hustle and allow ourselves grace. As the holiday season progresses, prioritizing mental well-being is more important than ever.

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