The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year. I get to bask in the joy of togetherness with my people: late-night dinners peppered with hot gist, visits to trade fairs with holiday discounts with my siblings, and family potlucks with extended family.
But this season also brings the constant buzz of family gatherings— noticeably present are cousins who have no concept of personal space and aunties who ask the most intrusive questions— and the pressure of gift-giving and socializing.
Because of things like that, I am ready to GO HOME halfway into the celebrations I spent the whole year anticipating,
Two truths can exist. Holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and connecting with loved ones, but they can also bring a whirlwind of overstimulation.
If you’ve ever found yourself longing for quiet time in the midst of the festivities, you’re not alone. Balancing the demands of the season while maintaining your energy and mental well-being can be challenging. In this article, we offer practical tips on how to manage overstimulation and stay rejuvenated throughout the holiday season, ensuring you can enjoy the celebrations without feeling depleted.
Get Familiar With Your Triggers
If you’re new to knowing what triggers your overstimulation, reflect on times when you felt anxious, irritated, or unsettled after interacting with others. What was happening at the moment? Were there bright lights? Loud music? Or too many people speaking over themselves? Was there a strong smell, maybe from a native soup boiling in the kitchen or a perfume?
Personally, I get overstimulated once I can smell a strong vanilla scent or hear people speaking at the same time. My head pounds, I become restless, and I start plotting how I can leave that environment.
Identifying elements leading to a sensory overload can help you recognise patterns and anticipate situations that may overwhelm you. This awareness allows you to plan ahead, whether that means avoiding certain environments, carrying items to ground yourself, or stepping away when the situation becomes too much. Over time, understanding your triggers equips you to create a more enjoyable holiday experience.
Plan Ahead
Last-minute plans during the holidays may throw you off guard and make you anxious. By preparing for events or activities in advance, you can create a sense of control over your environment and schedule.
Start by identifying which gatherings or commitments are essential and which ones you can skip to avoid burnout. If you’re attending an event, consider factors like the number of people, noise levels, and duration. It’s also great to plan strategies to manage potential stressors, such as stepping outside for breaks or finding a quieter spot to retreat to.
Planning ahead also gives you an opportunity to set limits on commitments and communicate your needs for solo activities and rest.
Limit Overcommitment
This point takes me down memory lane of my Christmas in 2023. A close friend and I made a pact that our mantra for our 3 weeks holiday would be: “Yes and Yes”. It was a busy year, and we hadn’t seen each other in a while. Basically, the ”Yes and Yes” meant that whatever adventure the bustling city of Lagos had for us, we would explore with no hesitation.
The first three days of back-to-back fun were everything, but by the time we got to the middle of the second week, we were so over it.
This taught me that when planning to spend time with loved ones or connecting with those who you don’t see often throughout the year, you might become tempted to squeeze in as many activities as you can within the short holiday period. Don’t.
“Less is more” should be your watchword as you schedule interactions during the holidays. You don’t have to say yes to every party, date, or hangout—quality over quantity. Focus on dates, parties, and hangouts that are the most important to you. If you have too many things lined up, with little or no breaks to recharge, you might end up feeling drained even before you’re done honoring scheduled commitments.
Limiting overcommitment could also mean saying no to events that don’t align with your energy level.
Get Enough Zzz’s
It’s that time of year when you’re decorating, shopping for gifts, rounding up work, traveling, planning parties, and socializing more than usual. Of course, you need to get in your recommended 7 hours of sleep.
The holidays aren’t the easiest time to prioritize sleep and wellness, but it is one of the most important times to do so. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule not only helps you be at your best for all of the quality time you’re no doubt getting with loved ones during the holiday season — but it also sets you up for success as you go into the new year well-rested, healthy, and ready to tackle your new year’s resolutions.
Monitor Alcohol and Sugar Intake
The holidays often come with an unspoken license to overindulge, and it’s easy to justify an extra glass of wine or a second helping of dessert in the name of celebration. You might find yourself finishing a whole bottle of red wine before noon, chalking it up to holiday spirit and Jesus’s birthday—but overindulgence can have consequences.
Alcohol and sugar may offer a temporary sense of relaxation or joy, but they are stimulants that can disrupt your mood and energy levels. By keeping your consumption of these stimulants in check—perhaps alternating alcoholic drinks with water or opting for naturally sweet treats—you can better maintain emotional balance and reduce the likelihood of overstimulation.
Moderation is key to feeling your best throughout the holiday season.
Stop Doom Scrolling
Scrolling through your phone to keep up with the endless updates on social media might seem like a way to escape the holiday chaos. However, doom scrolling often adds to sensory overload—processing a significant amount and constant stream of information from our devices can quickly become overwhelming.
If you catch yourself glued to your phone during a holiday meal or party, it may be a sign that you’re craving a break from the noise and activity. Taking some time to step away, close your eyes, and embrace stillness can help you recharge and feel more present in the moment.
To combat doom scrolling, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or leave it in another room during gatherings. Replacing screen time with mindful activities like deep breathing, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet moment can help you decompress and sustain your energy for forging meaningful connections at this joyful time of the year.
Set Boundaries
Nigerian homes and boundaries are like oil and water. Nevertheless, setting intentional boundaries during the holidays is essential for protecting your mental and emotional well-being. With the flurry of events, expectations, and demands, it’s easy to overcommit and feel stretched too thin.
By being clear about your limits and communicating them respectfully—whether it’s declining an invitation, firmly telling relatives you won’t debate specific subjects, or asking guests to respect a specific timeframe if you’re hosting—you can avoid situations that trigger overstimulation.
Remember, saying “no” is not selfish—it’s an act of self-care. By setting boundaries, you create the space to focus on what truly matters to you, ensuring the holiday season remains joyful rather than draining.
