Unwrapping the stresses of the holiday season

Savvy Psychologist

Macmillan Holdings, LLC

Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Self-improvement, Education

4.7 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 11 December 2024

⏱️ 6 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

The holidays may be a time for joy and connection, but they also bring stress, anxiety, and financial pressure for many people. In this episode, Monica dives into the research behind the emotional toll of the season, from family dynamics to holiday burnout. She explains why the holidays can feel so draining and why it’s okay to acknowledge the challenges amidst the cheer.

Transcript

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0:00.0	While the holidays are often marketed as a time of joy, celebration, and connection,
0:10.3	they can also lead to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional strain due to the
0:15.9	pressures associated with family, finances, social obligations, and personal expectations. So I guess today I'm going to be
0:25.6	Dr. Grinch, because I'm going to vocalize some of the things that make the holidays hard for people.
0:32.2	Welcome back to savvy psychologist. I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson. Every week on this show, I'll help you
0:39.1	face life challenges with evidence-based approaches, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.
0:45.7	Studies show that the holiday season tends to amplify pre-existing stressors, with people reporting
0:52.2	heightened stress around managing finances, time,
0:55.3	and social commitments. The American Psychological Association, or APA, has found that nearly
1:02.0	38% of people experienced increased stress levels during the holidays. Women in particular
1:09.5	report higher stress levels than men, as they are often more involved
1:13.7	in holiday planning and execution. Research indicates that the emotional expectations of the
1:19.9	holiday season, such as being happy or maintaining a festive spirit, can increase stress for those
1:26.2	who are not feeling joyful or connected.
1:29.0	This emotional dissonance can lead to feelings of guilt or sadness,
1:33.3	particularly for individuals experiencing loss, loneliness, or strained relationships.
1:39.3	Holiday spending is a major source of stress for many people.
1:50.0	Research has found that financial concerns, including purchasing gifts, travel costs, and the pressure to engage in consumer-driven activities significantly increased stress levels.
1:56.0	The APA has reported that 62% of individuals feel stress about finances during the holiday season.
2:04.3	For many, overspending during the holiday leads to financial strain and debt,
2:09.2	which can contribute to post-holiday financial anxiety and guilt.
2:14.5	Studies suggest that this financial stress is particularly acute for lower income
	...

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