End-of-Year Reflections: Managing Holiday Stress and Anxiety in 2025
As we rapidly approach the end of the year, it feels like an appropriate time to thank everyone who has supported Release Hypnosis throughout 2025, share the plans for the end of the year, and offer up some resources as we enter the festive season. For many people, this period also becomes a time for managing holiday stress and anxiety, especially as the pace of life ramps up.
I think many people have found 2025 to have some challenges. If I were to channel my inner Mark Manson, I know he would say that life is always going to be full of challenges but we should aim for the good challenges over the bad ones. Of course, life is sometimes going to throw bad challenges our way, and it is in those moments where we need to tap into our acceptance, surrender, resilience, and values to ensure that we’re continuing to maintain a meaningful existence.
For the most part of 2025, Release Hypnosis has continued to go from strength to strength. It has literally only been in the past few weeks where there has been a slow down, although there is some consolation in knowing that many others are experiencing the same. During those moments, the focus always goes towards what can be done to continue professional development, explore more, be curious, and prepare for when things begin to get busy again. Take action for what is in your control, and let go of the rest.
What kinds of clients has Release Hypnosis seen in 2025?
This year has been one of the more eclectic years yet in terms of presenting clients. While the standard stop smoking and anxiety-relief clients have always been there, this year has seen more and more clients with compulsive behaviours and substance use disorders – also known as ‘addictions’ – stepping forward. There has been a notable increase again in the number of clients who are seeking assistance with pornography addiction, to the point where I have recently been doing presentations on the topic to other hypnotherapists.
I’ve seen some remarkable clients over the year; from an elderly gentleman who had a phobia of heights since he was six through to a man suffering from shy bladder while fearing an upcoming long-haul flight. I mention both those cases as both sent me an email afterwards to share their successes.
2025 Success Stories
For the man who used to fear heights, he had gone back to a particular dam and walked across it not once, not twice, but six times – and even stopped to enjoy the view. For the man with shy bladder, he enjoyed his long-haul flight to London and, for the life of him, couldn’t be sure what I had done but knew it was gone. These are the success stories that bring a genuine smile to my face and an appreciation that your unconscious mind is capable of incredible things.
Facing the upcoming end-of-year ‘crazy period’
There are many people out there who dread this time of year for a multitude of reasons. The combination of social expectations, calendar pressure, and emotional demands means that managing holiday stress and anxiety becomes especially important for maintaining a sense of groundedness.
With that in mind, I wanted to share these previous blogs that may offer tips and suggestions to better weather the storm:
- Coping with Holiday Stress and Depression
- Mental Health Challenges During the Holiday Season
- Managing Holiday Stress
- Tips To Deal With The Stress And Anxiety Of The Christmas Holiday Season
- Maintaining Mental Health and Surviving Christmas
In addition, resources from organisations such as Beyond Blue and Headspace can offer further support during this time, particularly for those feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Free resources to end the year, and prepare for next year
Over the past couple of years, Release Hypnosis has put together a handful of free online email courses to help with a couple of presenting issues.
If you’re interested, sign on up for one and check it out:
- Journaling for Addiction Recovery
- Mini Meta Model Course – for better communication
- 5 Steps to Becoming a Non-Smoker ebook
- Break Free From Imposter Syndrome
- Mini-Mindfulness Meditation
These can be particularly helpful for continuing personal growth, building resilience, and finding tools to support yourself while you navigate the busy festive season.
End-of-year hours
Like many people, Release Hypnosis will be taking a well-earned and deserved break at the end of 2025.
The last day Release Hypnosis will be open for 2025 is Saturday 20th December. Release Hypnosis will be reopening again on Monday 5th January 2026.
To book your free, no obligation discovery call, simply click here and choose a suitable time.
Thank you
Again, a massive thank you to everyone who has supported Release Hypnosis this year either by coming in as a client, subscribing to our social channels, or just engaging with our content.
A shout out and thanks to the crew at Control Networks who keep my site and communications up and running effortlessly. Alan and all the team are just wonderful.
From Release Hypnosis to you, I hope you have an enjoyable end to your year and continue managing holiday stress and anxiety in ways that support your wellbeing. I look forward to the many opportunities in store in 2026.
Lawrence Akers
