Many people see Christmas as a time when old friends and families can get together and where childhood memories are filled full of joy and warmth. While some may not have seen one another in a while, others welcome new members into their growing families, and others might have been there for a while. Others may have less fond memories of Christmas. They might remember it as a time when the fights never seem to stop. Christmas can be when relationships have been strained, and Christmas adverts and Christmas music may seem like constant reminders of these changes.

Whether Christmas is your favourite time of year or not, there is one thing certain: this year will be different because of the nature of the pandemic that we all are experiencing. Even if Christmas is your favourite time of year, this may cause some anxiety or fear. Many people will struggle with large gatherings’ uncertainty, keeping traditions and catching up with old acquaintances.

Before we get into managing anxiety, it might help to understand what anxiety is. Some people will feel nervous or feeling on edge, with increased heart rate, nausea and sweating, or a sense of foreboding that something is about to happen. Anxiety is a survival mechanism that alerts us to danger. Many people talk about the fight-flight or freeze response. Recently, however, they added a fourth response: flop. Our bodies respond in nanoseconds to fight or flight. We feel a surge in heart rate, digestive slowdown, adrenaline release, and tremble. Our minds scan the environment for potential threats or zone in on them. This was especially useful for cave dwellers who had to co-exist with many hungry animals. There is a possibility that our perceptions of threats have changed from wild hungry bears to worrying about whether we are worthy of promotion, financial worries, second-guessing ourselves, or being fearful of large groups. Although threats have changed, so have our bodily reactions to them. They cause the same physical responses within our bodies. Some will run, others will fight, and some may freeze. Others might even fall into anxiety. This affects our thoughts, emotions and physical bodies.

It would be impossible for me to list all the techniques that can be used to manage anxiety. However, I hope you find these strategies helpful in managing your fears, worries and anxieties.

COPING WITH PHYSICAL SIGNS OF ANXIETY

Some people experience anxiety, panic, worry, or panic attacks that cause their breathing to change. This can cause light-headedness, dizziness, or visual changes. If you have difficulty breathing or struggle with over-breathing, controlling your breathing can help. Pay attention to how your breath feels. One hand should be placed on your belly, the other on your chest. Your hands should rise and fall with your breath. Do not change your breathing; allow your breath to flow naturally and slowly, and exhale.

Some people prefer to deal with anxiety by using a more physical strategy. While progressive muscle relaxation can be very beneficial, it is not recommended to focus on your breath.

Progressive muscle relaxation

Relax and enjoy a quiet environment.

Take a few deep breaths, and then allow yourself to be still.

Pay attention to your body’s position wherever you are

Concentrate your attention on your feet and lower legs and tense your muscles for five seconds. Then release the tension. Notice how the tension feels when it is released.

It is important to tell the difference between tension and when the muscle is relaxed.

You can continue the same process for your thighs and stomach. These body parts can be gently strained and released one at a time.

COPING WITH COGNITIVE SIGNS OF ANXIETY

It can be hard to recognize your anxious thoughts. This will usually take practice, lots of work and effort. Don’t get discouraged if this is difficult.

Identify anxious thoughts. These thoughts can be easy to spot as they often start with “what if?” or “I cannot.” Writing down these thoughts or recording them can help you notice them. What was the thought going through your head before you noticed it? What are you afraid of? It would be best if you looked for evidence supporting and against this thought, as well as how you feel about it.

The situation, Your relatives has asked you to organize a Christmas dinner.

What’s going on in your head? : I won’t be able to do this; I’ll disappoint everybody

How did you feel about that? : Anxious 50%, Worried 50%

Facts to support the thought My kitchen is small, and I have never cooked for large groups before.

Evidence against the idea: I have previously cooked for family and friends and have also enjoyed meals at my relatives’ homes.

Outcome: Re-rate your worry/anxiety.

The following questions might help you think about what you would say to a friend if they had the same thought. What do you think a friend would say to you if they knew that you were thinking this way? What have I thought about in the past to help me cope with these thoughts? Is there anything that could be used to help me? How can I feel if I don’t feel this way?