How to Cope With Holiday Party Anxiety

Maybe it's a party at the office or the one your mother throws every year for the entire family. The holidays are stressful enough without a noisy, crowded gathering getting in the way. But you feel an obligation to go because your boss expects it or your mother would be disappointed if you didn't show. Follow these steps to cope with your anxiety.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be kind to yourself before you go to the party. Soothe your anxiety with a hot bath and add lavender oil. Wear a new outfit or accessory to cheer yourself.
2. Set a time limit for staying. An hour is more than enough time to network at the office holiday party. Your mother may expect you to come early or stay later to help out. Pick which one makes you less anxious.
3. Find a place where you can hide if you feel it's too much for you. Your office or the restroom will do at the office party. Your favorite room at mom's house is a good choice because it conjures up comforting memories.
4. Go with someone you trust, but make sure they're not too outgoing or have agendas of their own. They should stick by you throughout the party and understand when you need to go to your safe place or leave.
5. Identify coping mechanisms that help you get through stressful periods like deep breathing, visualization and journaling.
6. Gather together items that help you relax like affirmations, your journal or photos of comforting people or relaxing places. Take these with you and use them in your safe place.
7. Learn to meditate. It helps you cope with more than just your holiday party anxiety. Once you get into the habit, you find yourself shifting into a relaxed state without having to think about it, which is good for any stressful situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Massage lavender oil on your temples before the holiday party to help with your anxiety.