Conquering Holiday Stress

By Dr. Marsha Brown

Once again, the holiday season is upon us! It’s the time of year when we’re inundated with enthusiastic commercials, festive advertisements, and vibrant store displays. Beginning in September, we’re reminded at every turn that the countdown to holiday season has begun. For many, this is a time of joy, love, and the infectious holiday spirit. Yet, for others, it’s a season that can provoke stress, anxiety, loneliness, and even depression.
Attorneys are often expected to manage not only their own emotions surrounding this time of year, but those of others as well. While many people delight in gatherings and celebrations, those within the legal realm must navigate a unique set of challenges, including heavy caseloads, demanding clients and personal holiday commitments. The combination of work responsibilities and personal expectations renders this season particularly taxing for those in the legal field. Between stress at work and responsibilities at home, this can seem daunting and, at times, outright overwhelming.
Attorneys, accustomed to balancing myriad legal issues and client expectations, find themselves facing heightened stress during this time. As the year draws to a close, the pressure to meet final deadlines, resolve lingering cases, and prepare for upcoming ones becomes more acute. Clients, eager to have their legal matters settled before the New Year, often request immediate attention, expecting prompt responses and rapid resolutions. Added to this is the personal expectation of participating in family festivities and social obligations, creating a need for legal professionals to diplomatically navigate between professional duties and personal life.
To help navigate this season, here are six tips to help conquer holiday stress:

1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings surrounding the holidays. Know that whether you love or dread this time of year, it is ok. You may not feel as cheerful about this season as some around you may seem, or as you believe you “should” feel. There is nothing wrong with that. For some people, this time of year evokes memories of bad experiences and significant losses, including lost family or loved ones. Attorneys may experience guilt about not feeling joyful or conflicted about taking time away from crucial legal matters. It’s essential to understand that feeling overwhelmed or anxious is normal. Accepting these emotions, rather than masking them with forced cheerfulness, can provide a healthier mental state.
2. Set realistic boundaries and expectations for yourself. Remember: You do not have to curate the “perfect” holiday experience for others. Tales of holiday plans gone awry make each holiday experience unique. Know that even if things do not go exactly as you envisioned them, you can still create positive and lasting memories with those you love. Setting realistic boundaries and expectations both at work and home is vital for maintaining balance. Attorneys should practice prioritization, discerning which tasks require immediate focus and which can wait until after the holiday season. Utilizing technology, such as case management software, can streamline processes, making work more manageable, and granting some peace of mind. It’s also important to manage clients’ expectations by communicating availability and firmly stating when you’ll be out of the office for personal time.
3. Clearly communicate those boundaries to others. You are not obligated to accept every task and/or responsibility that is presented to you. Be sure to clearly communicate to others what your limits are during this season and do it as soon as possible to manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings. It may help to come up with a few well-thought-out responses to any pushback you may receive from well-intentioned but demanding family, friends, colleagues, clients, etc. Remember: Setting boundaries is crucial to surviving the holiday season.
4. Set aside time for yourself. While we’re caring for others, we can forget to take care of ourselves. Also, sometimes it feels as though our needs are not as valid or urgent as those of the people around us. This belief is a recipe for holiday burnout and overwhelm. Be sure to schedule time each week to take a break from the chaos of planning, shopping, preparing, etc. While taking daily breaks is ideal (e.g., even 10 minutes per day will help you to regroup), you can start by taking 20 minutes per week and then adding more time to each session as the holidays draw near.
5. Curate a new holiday experience to celebrate YOU. Holidays are often a time of celebration and giving. Give yourself permission to create a new holiday routine, designed to help conquer stress. For example, schedule a weekly 60-minute massage, set aside an hour each day to read a book or watch your favorite show, or hire a personal trainer. To help lighten your load, outsource some of your regular responsibilities by hiring a meal delivery or housecleaning service or by getting someone else to take a few tasks off your plate. If you don’t have time for the above, quick fixes such as a 30-minute chair massage, 10-minute power nap, or even a quick walk around the office or building can work wonders to decrease stress.
6. Reach out to others for comfort and support. It is important to refrain from isolating yourself during this time. If you have a trusted friend or family member, reaching out to them and talking about your feelings, emotions, and frustrations can be helpful during this time of year. If you do not have a trusted go-to individual, there are a number of excellent professionals who can provide support through difficult times.
7. Ultimately, surviving the holiday season as an attorney involves a conscious effort to balance professional obligations with personal needs. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support, legal professionals can alleviate stress and find joy and peace during the holidays. This approach not only improves personal well-being but also enhances professional performance, ensuring the transition into the New Year is both positive and productive. Remember, while the holiday season brings its challenges, it also offers the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and prepare for the year ahead.

Note: If your feelings about the holidays are ever accompanied by thoughts of hurting or killing yourself, please get help immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or 9-8-8. You can also visit your nearest emergency department. Remember: You are never alone.