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Home | Blog | Holiday Stress and How to Cope

Holiday Stress and How to Cope

Rising Stress Levels

This is the time of year for giving, gatherings, holiday celebrations, and – inevitably – stress. Americans report anticipating more stress this holiday season than last year, according to a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Assocation (APA). While concerns of spreading COVID-19 have diminished, stressors such as affording gifts and meals have risen. The APA found that:  

  • 31% of adults say they expect to feel more stressed this upcoming holiday season compared to last. This is an increase of 9 percentage points since 2021. 
  • Potential drivers of stress include worries like affording holiday gifts (50%) and meals (39%) and finding and securing holiday gifts (37%). Younger adults and those making less than $50,000 are more likely to worry about affording the holidays. 
  • Compared to 2021, adults are less worried this holiday season about spreading (35% in 2021 versus 25% in 2022) or contracting (38% in 2021 versus 26% in 2022) COVID-19 at a holiday gathering. Adults are also less worried about spending time with family who have different views about COVID-19 (30% in 2021 versus 18% in 2022). 

You can learn more about the APA’s findings here.  

Ways to Cope

Kathryn Cowart, JFCS Assistant Director of Programs, offered this advice for those experiencing stress during the holidays:  

“It is important to remember that while we focus on our loved ones near and far, creating holiday memories, and coming together during the holidays we must also take time to de-stress and care for ourselves. This holiday season take time to slow down, breathe in deeply the joy and light intended for the season, practice letting go of the things that are outside of our control, and participate in the simple pleasures that help us more fully enjoy what is happening around us and allow us to be more fully present in the moment.” 

JFCS is here to provide support and guidance for anyone in our community struggling with stress. Reach out to us at 502-452-6341 or services@jfcslouisville.org to learn more.