How to cope with festive stress

Festivals can be a great source of energy, joy and togetherness. But does everyone feel the same? The answer is no. Not everyone perceives holidays and festivals as positive, energizing and harmonious. Especially for employees going through emotional turmoil or a period of disturbance and imbalance, festivities can actually bring up anxiety, stress and exhaustion.

Why does Festive stress occur?

Fear Of Missing Out: Employees living and working away from their families can dread coming to work. It is quite natural for them to feel out of place and even lonely and low on energy. Especially in a country like India where festivals are celebrated with so much energy and zeal, not having your loved ones around can really take a toll on them. It can result in irritation, lack of motivation, stress and even anger and jealousy.
Difference in interpretations: Someone’s exciting community gathering could be another person’s nightmare. Our mood and energy rely heavily on the associations that have been made with particular festivals. If person X has faced a very difficult time during a particular festival when everyone around him is happy and celebrating, this contrast can make him even more annoyed. The association of that event with the festival can also cause stress.
Difference in opinions: Individuals may have different ideas of ‘celebration’. One person’s idea of celebration can be different from the other. Everyone has different sensibilities and they can also create a clash. For example, someone might enjoy loud music and large gatherings whereas someone might be only comfortable with intimate gatherings and lowkey celebrations. When two opposing parties exist, there can be conflict leading to stress and lack of harmony.
Unrealistic expectations: Social media plays a culprit in creating ‘idealistic’ expectations. Amidst the race of chasing those goals, one might lose the sense of what is important. It can also create unnecessary financial burdens.
Sensory overload: Big celebrations almost often include a wide range of sensory engagements. Be it through food, rituals, social gatherings or dance and music. There could be little to no time and space for oneself. Lack of personal space and time can make one feel restless and irritated. Since everyone’s sensitivity levels are different, one can feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Understanding and managing festive stress

3 WHY’s to reflect on when you encounter festive stress

What is this festive atmosphere making me feel?
What could be the reason for it?
What can I do about it?

Create a safe space around you

Get to know situations, people and conversations that make you feel comfortable. Creating a safe space also means establishing boundaries to protect yourself. Boundaries have the power to ensure that you feel safe, heard and respected at all times.

Find a channel to voice yourself

It could be finding a buddy with whom you can comfortably have conversations or finding resources to express yourself.

Journaling: It’s a great resource to vent out and express your authentic, unfiltered emotions without any fear of judgment. Journaling helps you clear your mind and put things into perspective.
Use the power of Art: Non-verbal communication is a great tool for expression. Identify if there is any art form that you resonate with such as painting, music, doodling and get involved. Not only does it help in shifting your focus but since all these activities use different senses, it acts as a great grounding mechanism as well.
365 days of self-care: Self-care is important every single day but for days when you need extra support, indulge in something that makes you feel calm, relaxed and peaceful.
Seek professional help

It is okay not to have all the answers. Seeking professional help allows you to look at things from a different perspective. Allowing different approaches into your life will make your life more open to new experiences and can enhance your well-being. Mental Health Professionals are certified professionals who can teach you different coping mechanisms, help you unlearn old ways and open yourself up to newer possibilities of life.

Focus on controllable factors

Focus on what you can control in and around you. You don't need to succumb to societal pressures if you don’t want to. If something is making you feel uncomfortable, practice boundaries to protect yourself. Saying ‘No’ can be scary but when you say no to others, you are saying yes to yourself.

FAQs:

How to identify festive stress?

Observation and awareness are two key factors in identification. Pay attention to your mental and physical energy. Observe how your mind and body are responding to the festive atmosphere, the rituals, social interactions and celebrations. You could also make a note of these observations.

How to establish boundaries with others during festivals?

Saying no to anyone does not mean that you are rejecting them. It simply means you are rejecting what they are offering. There can be many valid reasons for this rejection ranging from conflicting choices, lack of interest, lack of comfort and so on. Do not let other people’s opinions dictate how you want to celebrate a festival.