Coping with family holiday stress
Holidays can be fun, but they can also be too busy, boring or stressful - highlighting underlying tensions with family members.
What is it about the holidays?
There are lots of reasons why the holiday season can be a tricky time. Here are just a few things that might stress you out!
- Missing a loved one who is not with you these holidays
- Pressure to split your time between two parents or homes
- Feeling lonely if you’re spending time away from friends
- Trying to keep up with a busy schedule of family gatherings
- Feeling disappointed you’re not spending holidays as you hoped
Because others might be busy and stressed, things can become pretty tense. People might get more easily frustrated or snap at each other.
Signs that the holidays might be getting to you
Sometimes it can feel pretty obvious when things are getting on top of you!
But sometimes it can sneak up on you. Things to look out for include:
- Wanting to spend more time alone
- Feeling physically tired or drained
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Missing school or wishing the holidays would end
- Feeling sick in your stomach or getting headaches
- Getting frustrated more easily and having arguments
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