5 Ways to Reduce Stress and Find More Joy This Season

The holiday season is here. While efforts to entertain, decorate, and socialize can be exciting, it can also feel like a lot. According to the American Psychological Association, 8 out 10 people experience higher levels of stress during the holiday season, and this is even more prominent in women. In fact, studies show that women are nearly twice as likely to experience extreme stress and anxiety.

So if you’re feeling the pressure, you are from alone. We’re here to share support, understanding, and simple ways to protect your well-being and find the joy this season.

How Stress Shows Up in Women

Most of us recognize the tension headaches, irritability, and anxious feelings that can pop up during busy times. But many people don’t realize that women’s bodies respond to stress differently than men’s — especially due to hormonal and neurobiological differences.

If stress goes unchecked, women may be at higher risk for things like:

urinary incontinence
cardiac issues, contributing to heart attack or stroke
hypertension (high blood pressure)
eating disorders
bowel problems
reflux or ulcers
rash/skin disorders
weight gain
infertility
interruptions to normal menstrual function
decreased sex drive
arthritis/immune disorders

This doesn’t mean every woman will experience these symptoms — but it’s a helpful reminder that your mental and emotional well-being deserve care, too. You work hard to make the holidays special for your loved ones. You deserve to feel supported and cared for as well.

Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress and Make Room For Joy

The holiday season can come with unique pressures. These five tips can help bring balance and protect your peace:

Set and stick to a budget
This time of year comes with hopes of beautifully wrapped gifts and lots of fun and food with friends and family – all of which can tend to put a drain on your finances. Try to set a realistic spending limit, and avoid further financial worry. And remember, sometimes the best gift is simply spending time with our loved ones.
Know your limits
As women, we often have trouble saying “no” to responsibilities. In turn, during the holidays, many of us take on the role of shopper, party planner, baker, chef, referee, host, and more! When considering everything on your holiday schedule, it’s important to know your limits and make sure you’re carving out time for rest.
Get by with a little help from your friends
Part of the joy of the season is celebrating with friends and loved ones! Invest your time with those who uplift you and offer positive energy. Social connection is an important part of our overall wellbeing.
Pick your battles
Sometimes, this time of year can bring up unresolved conflicts with family or loved ones. When facing these conflicts, try to find a way to agree-to-disagree and move on, and if that doesn’t work, move on yourself! Take a short walk and a deep breath to give yourself a quick break when you need it.
Most importantly, take care of you!
Sometimes the best way to support others is to first support yourself.
- If you’re finding the holidays especially stressful, remember you’re not alone. It may be helpful to speak with a licensed mental health counselor. At Axia Women’s Health, we offer confidential, virtual mental health services so you can access care whenever you need it. Help is just a call or click away. Call/text us at 484-229-4545 or schedule online today.
- Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep on a regular schedule.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise improves your circulation and cardiovascular health. Exercise also helps the release of endorphins in your brain which naturally reduce stress and improve the quality of your sleep.
- Enjoy those holiday treats, but try to keep balanced nutrition in mind. Healthy eating will provide the energy you need to make it through the holiday to-do list!

Stress management isn’t just a seasonal need — it’s an important part of long-term health. Nourishing foods, movement, meaningful connections, and support from your healthcare team can make a big difference in helping you feel your best all year long.

As your partner for compassionate, progressive women’s healthcare, the providers of Axia Women’s Health are always here for you and want to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy holiday season!