Even for the most fervent holiday lovers, this time of year can take its toll. We all want to maintain that cheery demeanor, even as our bank accounts dwindle and old patterns surface during extended stays with family. Not to mention, the mounting pressure to start the year off strong and the inevitable post-holiday slump.
If your mental health feels fragile under the weight of insurmountable expectations and the drudgery of buying thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list, you’re far from alone. For all the wine, gifts, and elaborate dinners, the holidays can weigh on your mental health — here are a few things you can do to cope.
Take the Pressure Off Gift-Giving
Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be fun. It can also turn into a chore real quick — especially when maxed out credit cards and longer-than-anticipated shipping times enter the chat.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider setting some parameters around gift-giving with your loved ones. There’s no shame in letting your circle know you’re only doing gift exchanges with immediate family. Setting a price cap, too, can alleviate the pressures of having to buy extravagant gifts.
Create a budget that makes sense for you ahead of the time — and stick to it. Forget about the “perfect” gift and opt for something simple that makes you think of your loved ones. Better yet, get crafty with candles, home decor, and homemade jewelry for gifts that have an extra personalized touch.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is about knowing what’s best for your mental health, even if it means spending 2 days with your family instead of the full week they’re insisting on. If you’re a people-pleaser, the holidays might feel especially challenging. It’s okay to prioritize yourself and to live out the version of the holidays that feels best for you — whether that involves lots of family time or “you” time.
When New Year’s Eve rolls around, dancing the night away in a shimmery dress might feel like just what you need. Or, perhaps, you’d rather hail the new year with a romcom and takeout. When you’re listening to your own needs, there are no wrong answers.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
This time of year can feel particularly difficult if you’re celebrating your first holidays without a loved one. If you’ve lost someone recently, it’s normal for feelings of sadness and grief to surface. You don’t have to put on a happy face just because it’s the holidays.
Connect with your feelings and express them to those you feel safe with and who can shower you in extra love and support. When in doubt, have a good cry. Kacey Musgraves wrote a whole song about holiday cry sessions, so they're probably more common than you think.
Schedule “You” Time
Whether “you” time looks like a pre-holiday therapy session, a post-holiday spa day, or decompressing in front of the TV in a blanket-burrito (no holiday content please), pencil in some time for yourself over this busy period.
This is one of the few times of year things slow to a halt. Take advantage of this short-lived, relaxed pace by carving out some time for yourself — whatever that looks like for you.
Maintain a Routine
Lame, we know. When the holidays roll around, your first instinct may be to completely abandon your usual routine. Honestly, we can’t blame you. Just keep in mind that the boost of endorphins you get from your regular movement sessions, meditation practice, or consistent sleep schedule may help foster a sense of grounded-ness throughout the holiday season.
We’re not suggesting you keep your 6am alarm, per se, but making time to hit the gym or cook a homemade meal can work wonders when it comes to stress management. Think of it as a more fun version of your regular routine, one that includes sleep-ins, cheese boards, and a little bit of structure.