Five Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Recognize and Accept Your Needs

Try to recognize what you need in order to take care of your mental health. Make note of stressors, triggers, and other things that you hope to avoid. Know that it is okay to put your mental health needs first.

Prioritize

Your “to-do list” is likely longer than normal around the holidays, which can be stressful for many. Take some time to prioritize what needs to be done and what can wait. This can make the tasks at hand seem a lot less daunting and more manageable.

Set a Budget

For many, the financial burden of the holidays causes increased levels of stress and worry. Establishing a clear budget and sticking to it can help avoid getting yourself in a situation that you do not feel like you can afford.

Take Time For Yourself

Take time to focus on yourself and what you enjoy. It’s easy to forget about ourselves during the holidays, but you have to remember that you and your health matter. Relax, focus on a hobby, or give yourself time for anything else that brings you comfort and joy.

Reach out To Your Support Network

When overwhelmed, you may be tempted to isolate yourself. However, we recommend reaching out to friends and family for support. Your loved ones can likely relate to the holiday stress. Having someone to talk to can often serve as a stress relief for both parties.

In addition to your network of family and friends, we suggest reaching out to your health care provider when you need extra help. 

If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.