The holiday season can come with a lot of mixed feelings. Holidays are often associated with joy, excitement and celebration. At the same time, they can also be stressful and mentally taxing. As you navigate the holiday season, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. In one survey, 64% of individuals with mental health disorders reported that their conditions worsened around the holidays. This can happen for many reasons. Holiday gatherings may increase social anxiety. Spending time with family may bring up memories of traumatic events. Whatever your concerns, approaching them in the right way can be key to having a great holiday season. 

If you’re receiving mental health treatment, continuing treatment is important during this time. Your treatment providers can provide continual support and help you develop effective coping tools. With the right strategies, you can maintain and even improve your mental health this holiday season.

5 top strategies for taking care of your mental health during the holidays

• Set realistic expectations — It’s easy to romanticize the holidays. Media like movies, songs and commercials tend to present an idealized version of the holiday season. Going into the holidays with overly high expectations can lead to disappointment, however. While celebrating the holidays can be fun, it’s not always perfect. Challenges may arise, from travel complications to interpersonal conflicts. Setting realistic expectations can help you avoid disappointment and prepare you for any challenges that arise. Managing your expectations can also reduce stress. When you don’t feel like everything has to be perfect all the time, you can relax more and enjoy each moment for what it is.
• Balance your schedule — As you make holiday plans, it’s easy to overcommit. While it can feel tempting to say yes to every invitation, try to know your limits. Overcommitting can lead to scheduling conflicts and an overwhelming number of activities. If your holidays are overly busy, you may feel too stressed and drained to enjoy them. Keeping your schedule balanced can enable you to focus on the activities and events that are most meaningful to you. When building your schedule, build in downtime. Rest can help you maintain your mood and energy level.
• Stay active — Physical activity can be a good way to maintain your mental health. During the holiday season, cold outdoor weather and a busy schedule can hinder your typical exercise routine. Still, it’s important to stay active. When exercising outdoors isn’t an option, going to a gym or practicing simple exercises at home can be a good way to stay active each day. Exercise releases endorphins, which are a great natural mood booster. By staying active, you can relieve stress and maintain a positive mood through the holidays.
• Set boundaries — During the holidays, people often spend time with loved ones. This time can be very enjoyable and fulfilling. However, it may also bring up old dynamics, stressors and memories. As a college student, you might be spending more time away from your family than ever before. This can lead to more strain and conflict when you return for the holidays. When navigating tense situations, it’s important to set boundaries. Communicate your needs in a kind but firm manner. If conversation topics start to make you feel uncomfortable, let others know. You can change the subject or, if necessary, leave the conversation. Setting boundaries can help you protect your mental health while you navigate holiday events.
• Practice self-care — Self-care means taking time to focus on yourself and your mental health. Self-care comes in many different forms. During the holidays, self-care might mean taking a break from the festivities to relax and listen to music alone. It might mean getting the rest you need, opting out of festivities when they conflict with your sleep schedule. Different self-care strategies work for different people. Some self-care activities that might help you include journaling, meditating or going for a walk.

Maintain your mental health progress through the holidays with Lightfully U

At Lightfully U, we’re committed to offering year-round support. Our licensed clinical experts can help you continue your improvement trajectory through the holidays. We take a unique approach to treatment called Precision Care Model (PCM), a compassionate and fully personalized treatment plan designed just for you. PCM uses the most effective aspects of evidence-based, compassion-driven treatment modalities. This approach works to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms. We want to help each client get the help they need to improve their mental health and thrive in all aspects of life.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.