Holidays are often seen as a time to relax, spend time with family and enjoy a break from everyday life. But the reality can be very different. For those with children: looking after them, organising activities and managing family commitments – while keeping on top of everyday responsibilities – can sometimes feel more stressful than restful. Even for those without caring responsibilities, the disruption to routine can pose challenges or reveal issues that have been compensated for at other times of the year.
If you’re feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed during the holidays, you’re not alone. Recognising how you’re feeling and getting the right support can make a real difference.
Why can holidays make us feel anxious or low?
A change in routine can affect our emotional wellbeing. During the holidays, you may find yourself dealing with additional responsibilities, financial pressures, care arrangements or expectations to make the most of your time. For parents and carers in particular, trying to meet another person’s needs while managing work, household responsibilities and other commitments can become exhausting.
You might notice that you’re worrying more than usual, feeling irritable, struggling to relax or finding it difficult to sleep. Sometimes anxiety can also cause physical symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, feeling shaky or experiencing an unsettled stomach.
Or you may feel low – a change to routine may have left you disoriented or isolated.
Give yourself permission to slow down
It can be tempting to fill every day with plans, especially when you have time away from work. But you don’t have to make every moment perfect.
Try to leave some space in your schedule for rest. Simple activities such as going for a walk, reading, spending time outdoors or having a quiet evening at home can give you an opportunity to recharge.
It may also help to focus on what is manageable rather than trying to do everything at once.
Small steps can help
When anxiety or low mood start to build, simple changes can sometimes help you feel more in control. You could try:
Most importantly, try not to put pressure on yourself to have the “perfect” holiday. Rest and wellbeing matter too.
When mental health starts affecting everyday life
Everyone experiences worry or dips in their mood from time to time. However, if this is persistent, difficult to manage or beginning to interfere with your relationships, sleep, work or everyday activities, it may be time to seek additional support.
You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help.
We can help with holiday stress
If anxiety or low mood are making it difficult to enjoy your holiday or manage everyday life, support is available.
Talking to a mental health professional can help you understand what may be contributing, develop practical coping strategies, break unhelpful patterns, and find ways to feel more confident and in control.
Holidays can be busy, unpredictable and stressful — particularly when you’re juggling children or other responsibilities. Looking after your own mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after everyone else.
If anxiety is becoming difficult to manage, reach out for support. We’re here to help.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
