It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many the holiday season is more like the most stressful time of the year. From decorating to gift buying to calendars packed with social gatherings, it’s easy to feel short on time, money and holiday spirit. And new research suggests that can leave us feeling pressured and stressed out.
Life Stance has just come out with their 2025 Mental Health Holiday Report, which highlights how the holiday season affects our mental health. The survey of 1,023 U.S. adults reveals:
- More than half (57%) admit they find the holiday season stressful, but 23% say it’s at least slightly relaxing.
- Half (51%) feel lonely around the holidays, even when they’re spending time with loved ones.
- Only a quarter (24%) never feel lonely during the holiday season.
- Overall, 59% usually feel positive, refreshed or satisfied after the holidays are over, but 17% feel sad or disappointed.
- Differing opinions about politics can be heated topics at family holiday gatherings, and 46% admit they’re at least slightly worried about political conflicts coming up at those events, while 48% aren't worried at all.
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) would prefer skipping at least a few of the holiday gatherings they’re supposed to attend, but 28% want to go to all of them.
- Millennials (34%) and Gen Z (33%) are the most likely to want to ditch most or all of those holiday events.
- Three-quarters (75%) of all respondents admit that at least a few of their holiday gatherings feel more like an obligation than something they actually want to attend.
- More than two-thirds (69%) feel at least a little pressure to appear happier than they actually are during the holiday season.
Source: Life Stance⠀
Scott's Thoughts:
- There’s no better stress reliever than canceling plans to go to a holiday event you didn’t want to attend in the first place!
- This year has been bad for me. Lost my dad, and my 17 year old cat buddy. Dreading Christmas.
- Don't let the holidays stress you. Just be present with family and friends and don't get wrapped up in all the shopping hype. Talk to your family and friends about NOT letting it all get out of hand.