A Therapist’s Top Holiday Movies For Managing Stress

It can be hard to get into the holiday spirit when the holidays can be stressful. Think about it, the holidays are a time where you have more obligations and still the same amount of time in a day. It may even seem like there's less time in your day since it gets dark so early now. Yet you still find time to find that perfect present, or visit family, or send holiday cards. You're constantly pouring out and giving to others, with less opportunity to replenish your own emotional cup.

Helping with Holiday Stress

Trust me, as a full-time working parent I get it. I understand the urge to just take on all of the additional stuff and push through until the New Year. However, the effects of stress will force themselves to be noticed. Perhaps you find yourself easily irritated, or notice that your shoulders hurt. The consequences of stress will show up in your life and they are going to take away any opportunity that you have to really enjoy this time of year and be present with those you love. Therefore, it's important to take some time and slow down as a way to manage the stress, before it gets to be too much. You are worth that time. The next thing on your to do list can wait.

What Does Holiday Stress Do?

The effects of stress will force themselves to be noticed. Perhaps you find yourself easily irritated, or notice that your shoulders hurt. The consequences of stress will show up in your life and they are going to take away any opportunity that you have to really enjoy this time of year and be present with those you love.

How Can Movies Help Lower Holiday Stress?

One of my favorite ways to keep the stress at bay and actually enjoy the holiday season is to snuggle up and watch holiday movies! I find that spending some time watching a feel-good movie lets me escape for a moment. Taking that time for myself can actually make me feel better overall. Movies can also provide some important lessons and reminders to help us manage our stress. So, in this way, they can be a great way to change my mindset.
  1. Manage Depression and Social Anxiety with Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (preferably the live action version).
  2. Practice Mindfulness with ELF.
  3. Manage Grief with Almost Christmas.
  4. Set Healthy Boundaries with Four Christmases.
  5. Find Balance as a Parent with Christmas with the Kranks.

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