5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health During the Holidays, According to a Therapist

The holiday season can bring heightened stress, not just for those already dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, but for nearly everyone. Surveys suggest that anywhere from 38% to 70% of people report feeling more stressed during this time of year. However, you likely don’t need statistics to know this is true—you’ve probably felt the pressure yourself or noticed it in others. The good news is that there are proactive steps you can take to manage your mental health and navigate the holidays with more ease. Here are five strategies to help you stay mentally healthy during even the busiest of seasons.

5 Simple Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

Here is a list of useful stress management tips compiled by Amy Morin, LCSW, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author:

1. Set a Holiday Goal
   Decide what you want this holiday season to look like—family time, a big party, or a quiet, low-key celebration. Let your goal guide your decisions about what to prioritize and what to decline.
2. Establish Time Limits
   Avoid feeling overwhelmed by setting time limits for tasks like shopping, baking, or decorating. Stick to your schedule and use tools like gift cards or simpler activities if time runs out.
3. Schedule Mental Health Boosters
   Plan activities that make you happy, like watching a favorite movie or taking a relaxing walk. Investing in your well-being will help you handle holiday stress with more patience and energy.
4. Limit Overindulgence
   Identify habits that leave you feeling worse, like overspending, overeating, or excessive scrolling. Create boundaries to protect your mental and financial health during the holidays.
5. Use the “Last Year Test”
   When feeling pressured, ask yourself how much you remember from last year’s gifts or decorations. Chances are, they mattered less than you thought—use this to keep things in perspective.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you approach it with intention and self-care. By setting clear goals, managing your time, prioritizing activities that support your mental health, and keeping indulgences in check, you can reduce stress and create a more joyful experience. Remember to put things in perspective—most of what feels urgent now will fade in memory by next year. Focus on what truly matters to you, and let the rest go.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/ways-to-manage-your-mental-health-during-the-holidays-6889414