7 Tips for Surviving the Holidays: How to Protect Your Peace This Season
7 Mental Health Tips for Surviving the Holidays: How to Protect Your Peace This Season
‘Tis the season for stress, grief, financial pressure, and emotional overwhelm. Although the holidays are a joyous time for many, they can be equally distressing or dreadful for others. If you feel down during the holidays, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
At Mae Mental Wellness, we understand that “the most wonderful time of the year” can feel complicated. Whether you’re navigating family tensions, loneliness, or simply the exhaustion that comes with a full calendar, your mental well-being matters.
Here are seven easy mental health tips to help you prioritize yourself throughout the holidays and the month of December.
1. Your Presence is a Present
There’s an undeniable pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday, especially when you see those expertly curated Instagram grid photos or Tik-Tok Christmas hauls. But perfection isn’t the goal - presence is. Try asking yourself: What’s actually important to me this season? What can I release? Take the opportunity to prioritize what’s important to you.
Whether you're accidentally overcommitted to holiday parties or are worried about your holiday budget, you can scale back, simplify, or say no. Realistic expectations reduce stress.
2. Stick to Your Routines as Much as Possible
Schedules often get disrupted during the holidays, but prioritizing sleep, meals, movement, and medication schedules can stabilize your mood and energy. Try to keep at least one daily routine that helps you feel steady. Small anchors make a big difference.
3. Protect Your Peace by Setting Boundaries
Family gatherings and social events can be emotionally and physically draining. Setting boundaries is not selfish: it’s healthy.
Consider:
Limiting the length of visits or where visits happen
Steering away from triggering topics
Bringing a support person
Saying “no” when something drains you more than it supports you
Boundaries help mental health and protect trust in relationships, warding off resentment and burnout.
4. Plan Ahead for Stressful Moments
If you know certain situations will be difficult emotionally - like grief anniversaries, tense relationships, crowds, or financial stress - create a coping plan beforehand.
This might include:
A grounding exercise, like slow breathing or taking a walk.
A planned “exit strategy,” like needing to get home to walk your dog or feed your cat.
A calming playlist
A friend you can text
A realistic budget
Being prepared for emotionally taxing events can help you feel more in control and not as overwhelmed.
5. Movement is Merry for Your Body
Exercise is important, but it doesn’t have to be intense. A short walk, stretching session, or dance break can regulate your nervous system, boost mood, and relieve holiday stress. Think of movement as a gift for your well-being, not a task on your to-do list.
6. Feel All Your Feelings
Joy, nostalgia, grief, anxiety, gratitude, and loneliness can all coexist during the holidays. Your feelings are valid. Instead of judging yourself for not feeling “festive enough,” try acknowledging the full emotional range you’re experiencing. Having compassion for yourself makes it easier to cope.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to navigate the holidays alone. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a family member, support group, or a mental health professional, reaching out is a sign of strength.
Give Yourself the Gift of Support this Season
If the holiday season feels heavy, know that support is available. Mae Mental Wellness offers compassionate telepsychiatry, medication management, and psychotherapy, and we are currently welcoming new patients in Florida, Colorado, Montana, and New Hampshire.
To book an appointment at Mae Mental Wellness, you can fill out this form or call (561) 231-0233. Learn more about services we offer and which insurance we accept.
