Holiday Stress

Story By Ashlynn Meyer Huffmaster

Excited for the holidays? It is ok if you aren’t. 

At The Prowl, our job is to inform and help our readers feel included. While many find holidays to be a fun time to spend with family and friends, others might not be excited to be around their families. Holidays add pressure to strained relationships and wallets. For some, it might be the stress of practicing winter sports. With it being the gift-giving season, teens who work might see their hours increase and their customers become more frustrated. It is important to remember: mental health doesn’t take a break. If any of this sounds familiar, know that you are not alone. It is ok to not feel ‘merry’ around holidays. 

While holidays can be very stressful, there are ways of making it easier. If you are attending family gatherings, think about setting healthy boundaries. These can be any form you feel comfortable with. It is ok to tell someone you don’t feel comfortable with a hug or maybe you need to go to a separate room for a break to recharge. Give yourself permission to relax. Advocating for yourself can be shown in any way. Another good way to help relieve stress is to talk to someone. It can be anyone, really. A parent, grandparent, family member, friend, even a teacher at school. Small acts of self-care are important because they allow you to protect your well-being.  

We want our readers to feel safe and supported. A big part of that can be to feel included. Mental health matters every day but it is important to talk about it during the holidays when stress can be higher. The Prowl works to understand different feelings that we, and our readers, struggle with. Remember: the greatest gift you can give yourself is caring for yourself. Take your time to recharge, talk to friends, and don’t forget you aren’t alone.