Why Do People Overthink Things Around the Holidays

The holidays is known as a season of togetherness, joy, and celebration. It’s even depicted this way in books, movies, and commercials. However, it can also trigger a lot of stress and anxiety for people. There’s stress surrounding meeting expectations, and the pressure of creating perfect experiences. And not to mention the emotional triggers that come with this time of year. What do these and other holiday stressors often lead to? Overthinking. I’m sure you’ve found yourself scrolling for hours looking for the “perfect gift”. Or an outfit to wear to a holiday party.

Maybe you’ve spent countless hours worrying about how to handle difficult family dynamics. Or trying to plan the perfect holiday meal. But what no one wants to talk about is the effect overthinking can have on your mental health. Even during the holidays, when that’s not the intention at all. Being able to understand the root of why you may be overthinking things can help you cope and manage those overwhelming thoughts. So, let’s talk about some of the common reasons why people tend to overthink things around the holidays. But also how therapy for young adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL can help you manage these thoughts and feelings.

Fear of Disappointing Others

This may not surprise you as much as you think, but one of the main causes of overthinking during the holidays is none other than fear. This can be the fear of not meeting expectations, fear of letting others down, and the fear of disappointing others. The pressure that fuels this fear can come from various sources, such as family, friends, and even social media. We often compare our holiday experiences to those of others. It can lead to a lot of self-doubt and overthinking.

For example, you see your best friend’s family holiday photos on social media, and it looks like they’re having the time of their lives. Meanwhile, your family’s holiday gatherings may not look as picture-perfect. No one’s wearing the right outfit, the food doesn’t look as impressive, and maybe there’s some tension between family members. This can trigger a fear of not living up to those expectations and lead to overthinking about every little detail of your holiday gathering. This can lead to a lot of overthinking about what others may think or say about your own experiences. But remember that everyone’s life is different and unique, so don’t let the fear of disappointing others consume you.

This Leads to Perfectionism, Another Source of Overthinking

Perfectionism is another common source of overthinking, especially during the holidays. The fear of disappointing others then creates a new pressure to make everything perfect. You may find yourself obsessing over every detail, from decorations to gifts to food and more. Maybe you’ve searched for the RIGHT recipe for hours or painstakingly wrapped each gift with precision. While it’s great to strive for excellence, perfectionism can be exhausting and even harmful to your mental health. It can also lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure when things don’t go as planned.

Pursuing constant perfection is not realistic. It can often leave you feeling disappointed or dissatisfied when things don’t turn out as perfect as you envisioned. The truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday experience. It’s more important to focus on enjoying the time with your loved ones rather than creating an Instagram-worthy event. So let go of those perfectionistic tendencies and embrace imperfection – it’s what makes life interesting and meaningful. Or, talk to a young adult therapist in Illinois to talk out those perfectionistic thoughts and learn to manage them in healthier ways.

Past Trauma, Grief, or Difficult Memories

The holidays can also bring up past traumas or difficult memories for some individuals. This can be especially challenging if you’re spending the holidays with family members who may have caused these traumas. Or, if family members have been absent or passed away, these memories can cause a lot of emotional distress and grief. It’s natural for our minds to fixate on past experiences during this time of year, and it can lead to overthinking and rumination.

For instance, if you lost a loved one around the holidays, you may find yourself constantly thinking about that loss and missing them even more during this time. Or, if you have experienced emotional or physical abuse from a family member during past holidays, it can trigger feelings of anxiety and overthinking about how to handle being around them this year. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective tool in processing and managing these difficult memories and emotions, providing you with coping strategies to handle them during the holidays. However, in the meantime, boundaries can be a helpful way to protect yourself and create a safe space for your mental health during this time.

Strategies to Manage Holiday Overthinking

During the holiday season, it’s easy for your mind to become overwhelmed with thoughts and worries. Especially when you’re seeing everyone’s holiday posts on social media, it can feel like everyone is having a perfect time except for you. But the truth is, these posts only show what people want to present to the world and not their whole reality. So, instead of comparing yourself to others and falling into overthinking traps, try focusing on your own experiences and creating meaningful moments with your loved ones. Here are some other strategies that can help you manage holiday overthinking:

Set Realistic Expectations

Focus on what’s truly meaningful during the holidays, rather than aiming for perfection. Is it spending time with your family? Time for self-care? Giving back to your community? Set realistic expectations for yourself and the holiday season, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Understand that not everything will go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the imperfections and cherish the moments that bring joy and connection.

Practice Mindfulness

Engage in mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce overthinking. Grounding exercises, deep breathing, or meditation can help bring you back to the present moment, allowing you to fully experience the beauty and joy of the holiday season. For example, if you find yourself overthinking about a particular holiday tradition or event, try taking a moment to observe your surroundings and focus on using your five senses to take in the present moment.

Delegate and Simplify

Share responsibilities with others and prioritize essential tasks to alleviate pressure and overwhelm. By delegating tasks and simplifying your to-do list, you create space for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. Or, if you’re struggling with handing over control, going to therapy for young adults can help you work through any underlying perfectionism or anxiety that may be driving this need for control.

Focus on Connection

Shift your attention towards meaningful relationships rather than getting caught up in the material aspects of the holidays. Spend time with the family members who bring you joy and support, prioritize meaningful conversations and quality time over extravagant gifts or events. Or, even putting effort into your relationship with yourself by practicing self-care and self-compassion can bring a sense of connection during this time.

Seek Support

Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek support from a young adult therapist in Illinois or a trusted friend or family member. Talking through your thoughts and feelings can help you gain perspective and find healthy ways to cope with holiday stressors and overthinking. Remember, it’s okay to not have everything figured out, especially during the holidays when emotions can run high. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-awareness, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed.

Overthinking can flourish in the holiday season but that doesn’t mean you can’t address it. You can set boundaries, practice mindfulness, and seek support to manage holiday overthinking. Or you can seek therapy for young adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL, and learn personalized techniques to cope with overthinking and other mental health challenges. Don’t let holiday overthinking steal the joy and connection that this season can bring. Remember to focus on what truly matters – spending time with loved ones and taking care of your well-being. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Address Your Overthinking in Therapy for Young Adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL

If you find yourself struggling with holiday overthinking or other mental health challenges, therapy for young adults in Chicago and Evanston, IL can provide you with the support and guidance you need. At Evanston Counseling, our experienced therapists specialize in working with young adults who are struggling with overthinking, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. We provide a safe and compassionate space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings and develop personalized coping strategies to manage them effectively. All while providing evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help you thrive and find meaning and joy in your life. Take the first step toward feeling more centered and empowered by following the steps below:

• Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
• Speak with an experienced young adult therapist.
• Step into the holiday season with the support you deserve!

Explore Additional Therapy Services at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and Across Illinois

At Evanston Counseling, we are dedicated to more than just providing  Therapy for Young Adult in Chicago and Evanston, IL. Our practice offers a wide array of therapy services designed to support individuals on their mental health journey. Whether you’re seeking Therapy for Moms, Therapy for Teens, therapy for college students, or help with challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Pain, or GI Distress, we are here to guide you. We take pride in using diverse therapeutic approaches, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our compassionate team is ready to support you in finding healing and growth. Reach out here to take the first step towards your journey to wellness.