12/08/2025
The Holidays, Coping, and Mental Health
The holiday season can bring both joy and stress, affecting mental health and well-being in various ways.
Here are some strategies to cope with the with the holidays:
1. Acknowledge Feelings:
It's important to recognize and accept all feelings, including those that may be difficult or overwhelming. All feelings are completely valid.
2. Set Realistic Expectations and Boundaries:
Recognize that unrealistic expectations and family tensions can contribute to holiday stress. Adjusting your holiday plans and expectations can help manage stress and prevent feeling overwhelmed. Set limits on your time and commitments to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Don't over schedule yourself. The holiday season is a time of parties, social gatherings, and other activities and tasks that grab your attention. Remember that you don't have to do it all. Figure out what you really enjoy versus what you feel you're supposed to do. Enjoy family and friends on your own terms.
3. Seek Support:
Don't hesitate to reach out for help from friends, family, or support groups. If you know that this time of year is difficult for you, lean on your supports. Talk to them about how you're feeling and let them help you set boundaries and practice self-care. While the holiday blues are common for many this time of year, extreme anxiety or depression should not be ignored. If you're experiencing severe emotional, mental or psychological struggles, talk to your primary care provider and/or therapist to explore if extra help is needed.
4. Engage in Self-Care:
Consider giving yourself the gift of time during the holiday. Incorporate activities that promote relaxation and self-care into your holiday routine. Prioritize your well-being by engaging in activities that help you relax and recharge. Take a break from the rushing around, the shopping, the cooking, and the cleaning. Set aside time to read a good book, watch your favorite movie, go for a bike ride or take a nap, go for a walk, or call someone you enjoy talking to. Take some alone time if you need it. Don't forget routine maintenance. Get plenty of sleep. Eat regularly. Exercise. Get a massage. Meditate. Don't forget to breathe.
5. Stay Organized:
Plan ahead to reduce last-minute stressors, such as shopping and event planning. This can help you feel less overwhelmed.
6. Manage Gift Giving/Spending:
For many, the holidays are a time of gift giving. This can be a lot of fun, but it can also be financially stressful. Do your best to make a budget and stay within the spending limits that you have set.
You're not obligated to spend beyond your means. Even a small gift lets people know you care. Consider making gifts, instead of buying. And the process of preparing them can become a fun holiday tradition for you.
7. Practice Gratitude:
Writing down and reflecting on things you are grateful for can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. These can range from big overall things like good health or people in your life you love, or to the simplest of things like a nice hot cup of coco, the comfort of a pet, or the sun shining.
8. Honor the Losses of the Year:
The holidays can be especially challenging for those of us who have lost loved ones or have experienced other losses. Be sure to make space for your grief. Consider changing up your traditions to make your feelings of loss more manageable.
