Embracing the holiday season isn’t easy for everyone. Simply put: it can be a struggle to keep up with the festive demands of this time of year.

Sure, the holidays can be cheery and charming. But amidst all the excitement they can also be exhausting. And it’s not uncommon for people to feel a wide range of emotions throughout it all--from stressed and sad, to lonely and lost, to disconnected and drained.

Here’s the thing: all of these feelings are valid and okay to experience. Holiday-related stress and strained mental health is much more common than we realize.

No matter what your holiday season looks like, keep in mind these commons stressors and solutions for staying on top of your mental health and well-being.

Common Sources of Holiday Stress

During this time of year, seasonal stress and strain happen for a lot of understandable reasons.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and bustle—pressured to get the perfect gift, host and go to all the gatherings, or appear a certain way. Some of us feel grief instead of tidings of joy, where a person’s chair or past pet’s favorite resting spot is now empty.

Sometimes we feel down because we’re not home for the holidays. Other times, it’s because we are.

Remember that stress during the holiday season can be a tricky thing to understand. For example:

• You can feel stress and still be excited for holidays.
• You can love your family and still not be excited to spend time with them around the holidays.
• You can want to give friends or family presents, while also worrying about your bank account.
• You can find ways to establish new traditions while honoring past ones.

Remember What Matters & Prioritize Your Wellbeing

With all of these sources of stress, one of the most important things to do throughout the holidays is to take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing. One of the greatest gifts of the holiday season is spending quality time with those we love, including ourselves.

Staying Connected. There’s a difference between alone time and self-isolation.

• Make sure to spend meaningful time with others to find meaning in this season. If social media is making you compare yourself to others, feel anxious, or “doom scroll,” take breaks to unplug and find presence in the now.
• Social connection and community, even in the smallest of ways, is a big part of managing stress, improving our mood, discovering belonging, and creating support systems for our health.

Setting Healthy Boundaries. Protect your peace and power by setting limits for yourself that help manage stress and expectations in advance.

• Making room for downtime and recharging: for yourself and the activities you enjoy.
• Saying “no,” so that you don’t overwhelm yourself or your schedule.
• Practice telling yourself what your limits are and communicating those needs.

Emphasizing Self-Care. Time and time again, a key solution can be self-care. Don’t overlook the basics that make a big difference for your body. This includes:

• Making sure to get enough sleep, move your body, and eat nutrient-rich foods
• Remembering to breathe, and find time for what’s going on in the present moment
• Get enough sunlight: step outside or open the blinds! Sunlight, which decreases in winter, plays a huge role in improving our mood and relieving stress

Know When to Reach Out for Help

Whatever the stressor, the holidays can feel like a lot for many—sometimes so much that it may feel hard to slow down or enjoy much of anything during this magical but demanding time. It's always okay to reach out for help.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can help. Stay ahead of seasonal stress by calling 970.347.2120 or visiting NorthRange.org to learn more.

Resources:

• North Range’s Counseling Services
• Greeley Tribune | ‘This is a time mental health needs to take the front seat’: Holiday well-being can be difficult balance
• UC Davis Health: 10 tips to reduce stress and take care of yourself during the holiday