My Biggest Wish This Year? A Christmas Without Anxiety!

Anxiety disorders can significantly impact daily life. Anxiety tends to be especially intense, lasts beyond specific situations, and is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, or shortness of breath.

During the holiday season, our users frequently report experiencing anxiety in crowded spaces like churches and Christmas markets, as well as feeling overwhelmed by the high expectations from friends, family, and even themselves.

Our Tips for an Anxiety-Free Christmas

1. Schedule Time for Yourself

The holidays are often stressful and disrupt our usual routines. The good news is that we can anticipate this in advance. By consciously scheduling moments for yourself, you’re less likely to reach your emotional limits. These breaks also give you the opportunity to implement other positive coping strategies.

2. Avoid the Memory Trap

During Christmas and New Year, we often reflect on the past year. It’s easy to fall into the trap of remembering negative, anxiety-filled moments disproportionately. To counterbalance this, we recommend creating a list of positive memories to remind yourself of the good moments as well.

3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Sometimes, throwing yourself into the deep end can be surprisingly beneficial. Try setting yourself a small challenge—something you would normally find uncomfortable or embarrassing—but with a structured approach. Take notes before and after the experience and set a specific timeframe. For example, “Spend 30 minutes at the Christmas market.” This structured approach can lead to surprising personal breakthroughs.

4. Give Yourself Credit (With a Hint of Cinnamon)

Recognize the courage you continually show in facing these situations. Confronting fears is a core aspect of overcoming anxiety. It helps to focus as much as possible on your surroundings and the present moment.

Do You Need More Support With Your Anxiety?

Take a Self-Test!

Do you struggle to enjoy social interactions and fear being judged negatively? Our social phobia self-test may be relevant for you:
Start the Social Phobia Self-Test

Do you experience sudden panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere? Are there situations you actively avoid due to fear of an attack? Our self-test for panic disorder and agoraphobia may be helpful:
Start the Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia Self-Test

Digital, Instant Support

In times when you need support, digital health applications (DiGA) such as Mindable for Panic & Agoraphobia and Mindable for Social Phobia can be valuable tools. These apps provide self-help techniques specifically designed to support people with anxiety disorders. Their effectiveness is backed by research, and they can be accessed anytime, anywhere—especially useful when taking a break from holiday gatherings.

You are not alone, and help is available whenever you need it.

We wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas—filled with moments that truly make you feel good. 🎄