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Social Anxiety During the Holidays

Updated: Nov 16, 2022

The holidays can be a difficult time for people with social anxiety.

For many, the holidays are a time to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. However, for those who suffer from social anxiety, the holidays can be a source of immense stress. The pressure to interact with large groups of people, engage in small talk, and attend crowded events can trigger anxiety symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and nausea. If you're struggling with social anxiety this holiday season, there are a few things you can do to manage your symptoms. First, identify the situations that trigger your anxiety and plan to avoid them if possible. If you know you'll be spending time with extended family, come up with a few conversation starters ahead of time. You might also want to practice deep breathing exercises or visualization techniques to help calm your nerves. Remember that you don't have to attend every holiday event - it's okay to say no if you're overwhelmed. Remember, NO is a complete sentence. Finally, contact a trusted friend or family member if you need support. You can help make the holiday season a little brighter by taking some simple steps to manage your anxiety.


There are ways to cope with the holiday stressors and symptoms of social anxiety.

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. However, the holidays can also be stressful and anxious for many people. If you suffer from social anxiety, even the thought of attending holiday parties or gatherings can be overwhelming. However, there are several things you can do to manage your symptoms and make the holidays more enjoyable:

  1. It's important to understand that your anxiety is normal and manageable.

  2. Create a plan in advance for how you will cope with situations that make you anxious. This might involve practice conversations, deep breathing exercises, or having an exit strategy.

  3. Focus on the positive aspects of the holiday season and take time for yourself if you start to feel overwhelmed.

By taking these steps, you can learn to manage your social anxiety and enjoy the holidays.


Children of all ages have social anxiety - give them some grace during the holidays too!

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun. However, it can also be stressful and cause anxiety, especially for children. Social anxiety is a common condition affecting people of all ages, and the holiday hustle and bustle can worsen it. If you have a child with social anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them through this challenging time:

  1. Try to create a calm and relaxed environment at home. Help them to stick to their usual routines as much as possible and avoid last-minute changes.

  2. Let them know it's okay to say no to invitations. They should be allowed to skip parties or events and can always change their mind at the last minute if they feel overwhelmed.

  3. Make sure they have an exit strategy.

If things feel too overwhelming, they should know they can always leave and return again. These tips can help your child enjoy the holidays while managing social anxiety. Read Tips for Parents of Kids with SAD during the Holidays.


Take some time for yourself during the busy holiday season.

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebrating. However, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. With all the shopping, cooking, and entertainment, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself. But if you don't make time for yourself, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. So, this holiday season, make a point to schedule some "me time." Whether it's an hour to read your favorite book, a relaxing bath, or a walk in the park, taking some time for yourself will help you recharge and enjoy the holiday season.


Remember that it's okay to have a "bad" day - the important thing is to keep moving forward.

It's normal to have days when everything is going wrong. Maybe you slept badly, got stuck in traffic, or disagreed with a friend. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that having a "difficult" day is okay. Everyone has them from time to time. The important thing is to keep moving forward. Don't let one bad day turn into two or three. Get up, get dressed, and face the day head-on. Take some deep breaths and remind yourself that this is just a temporary setback. You can do this!


The holidays can be challenging for anyone, especially those struggling with social anxiety. If you're feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, remember that you are not alone. There are ways to cope with the stressors and symptoms of social anxiety, so take some deep breaths and give yourself a break. And if you have kids who also suffer from social anxiety, cut them (and yourself) some extra slack during this hectic time of year. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, one day at a time.


For more information or coaching services, visit our website or contact me @ info@graced2grow.com. https://www.graced2grow.com





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