10 Ways to Manage Holiday Stress
The holidays are supposed to feel magical… it’s the season people imagine to be perfectly cozy and joyful.
But holidays feel different for everyone.
For some, the holidays can feel overwhelming, pressuring, lonely, expensive, emotionally draining, or all of the above.
If this is you, you’re not alone. And there’s nothing wrong with you for feeling that way. You’re not “failing” the holidays.
Here are 10 ways to take care of yourself this December:
1. Adjust your expectations, perfection is not required.
The holidays don’t have to look like a movie scene. You are not obligated to create the “perfect” celebration, menu, gifts, or mood. Give yourself permission to do enough, not everything.
Your peace matters more than your to-do list.
2. Set healthy boundaries.
It’s okay to say no.
It’s okay to leave early.
It’s okay to skip events that feel draining or overwhelming.
Your emotional wellbeing is worth protecting regardless if it’s holiday season or just another normal day.
3. Don’t force the holiday spirit.
If you’re not in a celebratory mood or if you don’t feel cheerful, that’s okay. The holidays can bring up many difficult feelings, such as, grief, loneliness, stress, and complicated family dynamics.
Letting your feelings exist without shame is an act of self-compassion. Self-love. Not negativity.
Let yourself feel what you feel.
4. Keep your body supported
Rest. Hydrate. Move. Eat regularly.
Your mental health is connected to how your body feels, especially during hectic seasons.
5. Manage family expectations early.
Communicate what you can and can’t do this year. Clear, early boundaries prevent tension later on.
6. Have a window for rest everyday
Holidays can get extremely busy. Strive to set aside time for yourself to rest and stay grounded.
Try adding a short self-care break to your day.
A short walk, a five minute breathing break, journaling, or stepping outside for air can help more than you imagine.
7. Budget intentionally.
Holiday spending can get out of control pretty fast, particularly when we feel pressure to give or celebrate in a certain way. Setting a realistic budget helps you stay in control and reduce stress from overspending. Memories matter more than price tags.
8. Let go of comparison.
It’s easy to feel “behind” when we compare what we have to what we see from other families or online from what people post. We have to remember every person’s situation is different. Focus on what feels right for you, not what looks perfect on the outside.
9. Be gentle with yourself
Allow yourself to rest and slow down when you need to. Allow yourself to feel what you feel. Allow yourself to take care of yourself. It’s okay to have your own pace, you don’t have to keep pushing yourself to constantly meet everyone’s expectations.
10. Reach out if you need help
If the season feels heavier than usual or feelings like stress, loneliness, and grief feel too heavy to carry alone, it’s okay to ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, it could be a close friend, a partner, a family member, or even a professional. Reach out if you need guidance and support.
A Gentle Reminder
The holidays can bring joy, but they don’t always feel like the happiest time of the year. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need them, and focus on what truly matters to you.
If you notice your stress or emotions feeling heavier than you can carry by yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out. Support is available and healing is possible.
You can book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists through our website.
This holiday season and beyond, let’s continue healing with heart and growing with purpose.
