Protecting Your Mental Health During the Holidays

The holidays can be joyful—but they can also bring stress, pressure, and emotional overwhelm. Taking care of your mental health helps you enjoy the season in a way that feels sustainable and genuine. 

Set realistic expectations.
Your holiday doesn’t have to be “perfect.” Focus on what truly matters to you, not what you think it “should” look like. In fact, you don’t have to celebrate at all if that feels most supportive to you. 

Hold boundaries.
It’s okay to say no to extra plans, limit time with certain people, or opt out entirely. This is especially important if you experience family stress or are navigating family estrangement—your wellbeing matters. It’s also okay if relationships with loved ones are complicated, and you also want to attend holiday gatherings. You can decide what individual boundaries work best for you. 

Build in downtime and use grounding habits.
Take short breaks, quiet moments, or solo walks to reset your energy. Routines like sleep, movement, journaling, or therapy help keep you balanced.

Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Whatever you’re feeling is valid. Caring for your mental health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this season.