During the Thanksgiving event, take a few minutes to walk outside and get away from the crowd. Even just a few minutes can help you to calm down.

Talk with Your Therapist

If you are currently in behavioral or cognitive behavioral therapy, talk with your therapist a few weeks before the holiday rush begins. Let them know what types of things increase your anxiety so that you can work on these areas together.

If you do not currently have a therapist but look forward to the holidays with dread, this may be a time you want to consider beginning therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be very effective in treating anxiety and therapy may help you to get through family functions.

Talk with Your Doctor

If family functions bring on anxiety or panic attacks, talk with your doctor about short acting anxiety medication to help you through the anxious moments these events will bring. If you currently take medication but feel it is not properly working, this is the time to talk with your doctor about adjusting doses or changing medication.

Limit the Time Spent with Relatives that Increase Stress

For some people, getting together with certain family members can increase stress levels. If this is the case, limit the amount of time you spend with these relatives. Make arrangements and plans to spend time with people that make you feel good rather than those that make your feel anxious. Limit the time you spend with certain relatives to only a few hours rather than the entire day.  

Practice Stress Relieving Exercise

Be prepared for stress. Practice stress-reducing exercises, such as deep breathing and meditation. These techniques can be used throughout the day to help ward off anxiety or panic attacks. During a family event, you may need to remove yourself from the situation and find a quiet place to be by yourself for a few minutes. Taking some time to practice these exercises can help you during these times.