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When Festive Angst Hits: Five Tips for Finding Calm in the Christmas Chaos

If you find yourself struggling during the festive season, know that you are not alone. Our recent survey found that 57% of UK adults find it harder to prioritise their emotional wellbeing in winter, including the festive season.[i]  

Festive anxiety refers to the stress and unease some people experience during holiday seasons and celebrations. This can be caused by various factors, such as the pressure to meet social expectations, financial strain from buying gifts, planning and attending events, and strained family dynamics.[i] The heightened expectations for joy and perfection during these times can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, sadness or inadequacy, leading to anxiety instead of the intended festive cheer.

Key indicators[ii] include increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, noticeable fatigue, difficulty concentrating and heightened feelings of stress or sadness. Physical symptoms might include headaches, muscle tension or gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, an increased use of alcohol as a coping mechanism can also be a red flag.

So, what can you do to soothe feelings of anxiety during the festive season?

Here are five simple yet effective strategies to help you navigate anxious moments and maintain a calmer, more balanced mindset over the holidays:

  • Focus on the positives. Avoid dwelling on what you cannot control and focus on the things you can. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious during this time, taking stock of what you’re grateful for might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, research shows that keeping a gratitude journal can help improve your mental health.[iii] In the festive season, this may consist of being grateful for the family and friends around you, or perhaps even snow! Focusing on the positives of Christmas can help to lift your mood and put you on course for a more positive long-term mindset.
     
  • Avoid unhelpful social comparisons. If we don’t think we measure up to those we see online, it can have a negative impact on our self-esteem. Social media can make this worse, especially among the younger population, leading to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, fear of missing out and isolation.[iv] These feelings are only exacerbated during Christmas when it becomes the focal point of society. Try to limit your exposure to social media over the festive season and instead, focus on spending time with the people you love. Remember: what you see on social media doesn’t always accurately reflect people’s reality.
     
  • Prioritise time for yourself. Your calendar might be filling up fast but try to put some time aside to look after yourself. Exercise, good diet and plenty of quality sleep are as important at Christmas as at any other time of the year. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night, find 20 to 30 minutes a day to exercise, and stick to foods that love your body back.[v] These small mood-boosting activities can help keep your mind fresh and focused – and better equipped to deal with any stress that might be around the corner.
     
  • Don’t force yourself. Christmas can be a difficult time; we can feel the pressure and expectations to do certain things or see certain people. If you're feeling low, exhausted, stressed, or anxious, don’t force yourself to do something that you worry might make you feel worse. For example, don’t be afraid to turn down party invitations to catch up on sleep and relaxation. Ask yourself, will it bring me joy? If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.
     
  • Seek professional and specialist support. If festive anxiety is impacting your daily life and wellbeing, it is important to seek support from a therapist, counsellor or healthcare professional. In addition, organisations such as Anxiety UK offer dedicated support services, including helplines, text support, online resources and therapy services specifically tailored to people experiencing anxiety. Accessing both professional care and charity-led support can provide practical coping strategies and reassurance during the festive period.
     

For additional support you may also benefit from the use of a traditional herbal remedy such as Kalms Lavender. Each one-a-day capsule contains lavender oil. Traditionally used to ease symptoms of mild anxiety, lavender oil has a long-standing association with relaxation.

To learn more about the Kalms range, click here.
 

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[iii] Buffo, J. (2022) How a gratitude journal can support your mental health. WellRX. Available at: https://www.wellrx.com/news/how-a-gratitude-journal-can-support-your-mental-health.

[iv] Robinson, L and Smith. (2024) Social media and mental health, Help Guide. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm.

[v] Pietrangelo, A. (2023) How to be happy: 27 habits to add to your routine, Healthline. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm.

[i] Small Steps to Kalmfulness Survey. A nationally representative study involving 1,000 UK adults aged 18+. Conducted by Censuswide, commissioned by Kalms Herbal Remedies. September 2025. 

 
Posted by Emily Garfield
19th December 2025

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