When the holiday's aren't so merry.

2. Mary A. Gagnon, LMFT
Health Affiliates Maine
Holiday Stress:
When the Holidays
Aren’t So Merry

3. Ah, the holidays…

6. Great Expectations
Holidays are supposed to be:
•Meaningful…
•Magical…
•Full of promise and hope…
•Sacred…
•Joyful…
•Fun…
What’s so different about the holidays?
Don’t we want this every day?

7. Great Expectations
We place lots of expectations on a
season, like the holidays, and we are
often let down when our celebrations
don’t meet our expectations.
Whether it’s because the kids are
crying in the family photo, or relatives
refuse to talk to each other, or we just
can’t get ourselves into the “holiday
spirit,” we set ourselves up when we
expect too much.

8. Loss
The loss of a loved one is especially felt
during the holidays, when the emphasis is
on family togetherness.
Loss of family members because of
divorce or a move can mean a change in
family traditions, which often highlights
the loss.

9. Stress and Mental Health

10. Stress and Mental Health
• We have stress year-round, but
stress tends to be heightened during
the holidays.
• When our nerves are frazzled, it’s more
difficult to remember to take care of
ourselves.
• Mental health concerns, such as
depression, bipolar disorder,
anxiety, or PTSD, can be
exacerbated.

11. Too Much and Not Enough

We have too much food, drink, spending, or
activities and not enough rest, exercise, and
routine.

12. And on top of all this, we have to work…

13. Fa-la-la-la-ugh
Employees:
•Might take on more work during the holidays
to pay for everything
•Might be afraid that holidays will be
interrupted by work (called into work or have
to bring work home)
• In one study, 50% had their holidays interrupted, and
37% more than once!
•Many are thinking about work during the
holidays

14. Prep Your Business
• Reflect on the state of your business in prior
holiday seasons.
• Create a plan. Perhaps allow for flextime, allow for a
change in attendance, or consider putting attendance
incentives in place.
• Focus employee resources. People are more
productive when they have fewer projects. Can some
projects be delayed until after the holidays?
• Find a healthy balance between holiday work and
play. Manage the frequency of holiday celebrations in
the workplace. While they can boost morale, too
many festivities can distract from work and
exacerbate holiday burnout.

15. Keep Productivity and Morale Up
Morale can suffer. What can employers do?
•Use the season to your advantage.
Incorporate activities into your office
environment.
•Create friendly office competitions
that encourage teamwork. A good way
to maintain productivity is to create fun
competitions focused on workplace behavior.
•Encourage downtime to recharge. A
little relaxation can go a long way, especially
during the holiday season when employees
experience new sources of stress.
Employees tend to be around a 1/3rd
less productive during the holidays.

16. Keep Productivity and Morale Up
• Acknowledge the holidays & be up front
about how your business will handle them.
Let your team know about policies on time off, flextime,
etc...
• Provide a few special perks. Consider offering
your team a few hours away from the office to finish
holiday errands. Bring in some healthy snacks. These
gestures show that you care and appreciate your staff,
providing motivation to work harder in return.
• Celebrate as a team & build camaraderie.
Consider hosting a holiday breakfast or lunch during the
workday instead of an after-hours party. This can help to
keep the celebration inclusive of all holidays that are
recognized at this time of year.

17. What Can You Do?

Acknowledge your feelings and give
yourself a break.

Stick with your routine as much as
possible.

Think about what you really want from
your holiday, and find an activity to make
that happen.

Understand that old problems don't just
go away. Balance your needs with your
family’s needs.

18. What Can You Do?

Don’t overdo it
(and forgive yourself if you do).

Keep it simple.

Stay within your means.

Set realistic goals.

Ask for help.

19. Relax!

20. Thank you!
For more information, for other trainings we can bring to your
business, or for mental health services, please contact:
Mary Gagnon, LMFT
Health Affiliates Maine
207-333-3278
Mary.Gagnon@healthaffiliatesmaine.com

21. If you need help…We can help!
Call 1-877-888-4304