The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, but it can also bring stress and anxiety. Let’s just admit it, holidays are a challenging time emotionally. The pressure to meet expectations, manage multiple commitments, and handle financial stress can make them seem so overwhelming. 

This is why “mental health holidays” are so important to make part of your priorities this season. Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 people face mental health challenges around the holidays. The emotional journey can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Prioritizing mental health—through self-care, setting boundaries, or taking a mental health day—can help you get through this busy season with ease. 

In this article, we’ll explore how to manage holiday stress, dodge triggers, and take care of your mental health. This way, you can enjoy the holidays without feeling too overwhelmed.

Why the Holidays Can Impact Your Mental Health

For many, holidays are a time of ups and downs, often linked to high expectations and family pressures. The idea that the holidays should be "perfect" can cause a ton of stress, especially when reality doesn’t add up.

Societal Pressures and Expectations

• High Expectations: Society often paints a picture of the "perfect" holiday season, with ideal family gatherings, extravagant gifts, and festive cheer. This can create immense pressure to meet these expectations. 

• Overwhelming Tasks: The sheer number of things to do – from decorating to buying presents to attending gatherings – can lead to feelings of nervousness or anxiety.

Financial Stress

• Gift-Giving: The pressure to buy the “right” gifts or overspend during the holidays can lead to financial strain. With inflation through the roof, it’s hard to stick to the right budget and not go overboard.

• Unplanned Expenses: Unexpected costs, like travel or last-minute purchases, can add to the financial stress, making it harder to enjoy the season.

Loneliness and Grief

• Missing Loved Ones: For some, the holidays can highlight the absence of loved ones. Whether due to long distance, breakups, or loss, feelings of loneliness can be more intense during this time.

• Increased Grief: For those who are sadly grieving, the holidays can be a painful reminder of past memories and loss.

Anxiety and Depression

• Worsening of Symptoms: For people with existing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, the added stress of the holidays can intensify symptoms. It's common to feel more isolated or disconnected from the festive spirit.

• Emotional Rollercoaster: The mix of stress, pressure, and emotional triggers can lead to an emotional rollercoaster that’s hard to navigate.

It’s important to acknowledge these challenges first to become aware and prioritize self-care during this season. You don’t have to be happy all the time or live up to unrealistic expectations. It’s okay to take breaks and focus on what truly matters to your mental health.

The Importance of Mental Health Days During the Holiday Season

The holidays often come with a sense of obligation. You want to be there for your loved ones, but you're also juggling a lot on your plate. Mental health days give you permission to step away from the chaos and focus on yourself. 

Why Mental Health Days Matter:

• Prevent burnout: With all the shopping, gatherings, and work deadlines, it's easy to feel mentally drained. Taking a break and just mentally checking out for one day helps you recharge and avoid exhaustion.

• Reduce stress and anxiety: The holidays can trigger anxiety and worry, especially when you’re juggling multiple things at once. A mental health day can give you the space to clear your mind and emotionally prepare for that big family event.

• Enjoy the holidays: If you don’t take care of yourself, it’s harder to enjoy the season. By taking a mental health day, you’re setting yourself up to be more present and engaged.

Simple Ways to Practice Mental Health Days:

• Take a walk: A peaceful stroll outside can do wonders for clearing your head and lowering stress levels.You can also listen to your favorite jam or an interesting podcast to get your mind off things.

• Try focusing on the moment: Spend a few minutes focusing on the moment without putting importance on the past or future. Focus and appreciate the present moment. For example, try focusing on the soothing smell of the coffee you’re drinking, the weather outside your window, the cozyness of your pj’s and the sensations you are experiencing.

Make this day a way to recharge, reset, and keep your emotions in check. It will definitely make a big difference to deal with the demands of the season.

Three Characteristics of Mental Health to Prioritize This Season

Did you know that nearly 64% of people report feeling stressed during the holidays? Between packed schedules, social obligations, and financial demands, it’s no surprise that mental health takes a hit this time of year. 

You can protect your emotional well-being by focusing on three characteristics of mental health: self-awareness, self-regulation, and positive relationships. These traits are more than buzzwords—they’re essential tools for navigating the holiday season with calm and confidence.

• Self-Awareness: Self-awareness means understanding your feelings, triggers, and limits. Holidays are stressful, and knowing what sets you off can make all the difference. Take a few moments daily to check in with yourself. Journaling is a great way to track emotions and identify patterns. For example, if big gatherings drain your energy, it’s okay to take a breather before diving in. Recognizing these needs is the first step in managing them.

• Self-Regulation: Once you’re aware of your emotions, self-regulation helps you respond to them in healthy ways. Feeling overwhelmed? Pause. Breathe deeply for a few minutes or step outside for fresh air. Self-regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings but managing them effectively. Practicing mindfulness or setting boundaries, like saying “no” to that extra holiday party, can help keep your stress levels in check and support your journey toward mental health resilience.

• Positive Relationships: Socializing is important to keep your mind off things and focus on the topics being talked about. Try focusing on making positive memories worth cherishing.If family dynamics feel tricky, lean into friendships or community groups that offer holiday wellness support.

Remember, mental health holidays are about balance—and a little self-care goes a long way!

Is It Okay to Self Soothe Mental Health During the Holidays?

Absolutely, it’s not just okay—it’s important to self-soothe during the holidays. Add emotions like loneliness or grief into the mix, and the season can quickly feel overwhelming and needing time for consideration.

Self-soothing isn’t just “okay.” It’s one of the smartest forms of self-care during the holidays. It helps you stay grounded when everything feels out of control. But what does self-soothing actually mean? It’s about using simple, healthy techniques to calm your mind and body when stress creeps in. Think of it as giving yourself the thumbs up to pause, breathe, and prioritize your holiday wellness.

Still wondering, “Is it okay to self soothe mental health during the holidays?” The answer is yes because it supports your emotional well-being without relying on others to “fix” how you feel. It’s part of a larger journey toward mental health and learning how to truly enjoy the holiday season.

Seeking Help: When to Reach Out for Support

So, how can you tell if it’s time to reach out? Pay attention to persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion that don’t seem to go away, even with holiday wellness tips like self-care. If these feelings are interfering with your daily life or making it hard to enjoy the holiday, that’s a sign to take action.

Professional help isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful tool. Therapists and counselors can provide strategies tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with grief, family dynamics, or just feeling “off.” For immediate support, hotlines like 988 in the U.S. are available 24/7 and can offer a listening ear when things feel too heavy.

The truth is, holiday health isn’t just about taking breaks; it’s about making sure your needs are fully met. Ignoring mental health challenges doesn’t make them go away—it makes them worse. Seeking help is a proactive step that allows you to approach the season with a lighter, healthier mindset.

This year, prioritize YOU. The best gift you can give yourself is the courage to ask for help when you need it!

Prioritizing Your Mental Health Holidays!

The holidays sometimes are hard, and it’s easy to put your mental health on the back burner. But taking care of yourself during this time is so important. Prioritizing your “mental health holidays” means knowing when to slow down and reach out for support if you need it. 

Whether it’s talking to someone you trust, time alone, or even seeking professional help, it’s okay to put yourself first! By focusing on holiday wellness and practicing intentional self-care during the holidays, you can create space for joy and calm, even during the busiest times.