By Jillian Berridge, LMSW Renewed Focus, Staff Psychotherapist
The holidays are a time for family, friends, good food, and lots of joy—but truth moment please: They can also be a lot. Uncomfortable conversations with distant relatives, the pressure of hosting, the financial stress of gift-giving… it can all take a toll on your mental and emotional health. And for many of us, the holidays also stir up grief for loved ones we’ve lost, especially when their absence is felt at family gatherings. That’s why it’s super important to be intentional about how you’re taking care of yourself this season. Luckily, there are a few simple ways you can navigate the stress of the holidays and enjoy what matters most without losing your peace.
1. Set Boundaries Like a Boss: How to Say No Without Guilt
First things first—boundaries are key to protecting your mental and emotional wellness, not just in everyday life, but especially during the holiday season. What does this look like? Take a moment to think about what’s realistic for you in terms of commitments. Can you skip hosting this year? Is catching up with every friend who’s in town too much? Maybe your gift budget is tighter than it used to be. It’s okay to say no, even if it feels hard. Be honest with yourself about what you need and don’t feel guilty about enforcing your boundaries. You know yourself best—and let’s be real, no one else is going to advocate for you, so take this time to practice speaking up for yourself. Setting boundaries is not selfish; it’s an act of self-love and a necessary part of keeping your mental health intact.
2. Unplug and Unwind: Why Digital Detoxes Are Essential for Your Well-Being
The holidays are already full of distractions—from social media to work emails. How about using this time to step away from all the constant noise? We all know the struggle of scrolling through endless stories, checking the news, or refreshing your inbox while you’re technically “off” from work—guilty! Taking a digital detox doesn’t mean you have to disappear completely, but it can be a game-changer for your mental clarity and overall peace. Think of it as a chance to be more present with the people around you and even more importantly, with yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much lighter and more grounded you feel after just a few days without the constant digital distractions.
3. Self-Care, Not Self-Sacrifice: Reclaiming Your Time for You
The holidays are busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of shopping, cooking, hosting, and trying to keep up with all the traditions. Before you know it, you’ve committed to everyone else and forgotten about you. This year, let’s do things differently. Put yourself on the schedule—make time for the things that fill you up, not drain you. Whether that means squeezing in a therapy session, taking a walk, or just reading your favorite book for 30 minutes, it’s about giving yourself what you need. Prioritize things that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s therapy, journaling, or some good ol’ self-care like strength training or dancing to your favorite playlist, these are the things that’ll keep you energized and in balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill yours first!
4. Find Your People: Surround Yourself with People Who Uplift You
The holiday season is the perfect time to check in with your tribe—those friends, family, and colleagues who respect your boundaries and help you feel seen. We’ve talked about how the holidays can drain you, so let’s make sure to spend time with the people who give you energy instead of those who take it. Who’s that friend who lets you vent without judgment? The cousin who makes you laugh until your stomach hurts? The aunt who’s drama-free and always there for you? These are the people who help you feel grounded, loved, and remind you of your worth. Protect your peace by connecting with your inner circle—those who build you up and help you recharge.
5. Celebrate Your Wins: Reflecting on the Year Without the Pressure
Instead of rushing into the new year with a long list of resolutions, take a moment to reflect on the things you’ve already accomplished this year. Seriously. This is one of the most powerful ways to shift the focus from “I need to do more” to “I’m doing enough.” Take some time to recognize the small wins that you might’ve overlooked—whether it’s personal growth, work accomplishments, or just the fact that you made it through another challenging year. When we’re always on the go, it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come. So take a second to pause, celebrate yourself, and give yourself the credit you deserve.
6. Honoring Your Needs: How to Listen to Your Body During the Holidays
The holidays come with a lot of moving parts, but it’s essential to check in with yourself. Your body will tell you when it’s tired, stressed, or needs rest—but you have to listen. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. Maybe it’s telling you to take a nap, drink some water, or just sit still for a minute. The more you practice checking in, the more you’ll be able to recognize when you’re heading toward burnout before it happens. Honor your body by giving it what it needs, whether that’s a break, a bit of movement, or even a good night’s sleep. You deserve it.
7. Letting Go of Perfection: Embracing Imperfection This Holiday Season
The pressure to create a “perfect” holiday experience can be overwhelming, whether it’s the food, the decorations, or family gatherings. But this year, I challenge you to let go of the need to be perfect and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Give yourself grace, and remember: the holidays don’t need to be flawless to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones that don’t go according to plan. Show up as your authentic self, imperfections and all, and let go of the stress to make everything perfect. The holidays are about connection, love, and joy, not perfection.
8. Create Your Own Holiday Rituals: Doing What Feels Right for You
Forget trying to live up to everyone else’s holiday traditions. This year, do what feels good for you. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea in the morning, listening to your favorite playlist, or starting a new gratitude practice, create your own rituals that bring you peace. It’s easy to get caught up in what “everyone else” is doing or the holiday traditions you see on TV or social media, but let’s be real—those don’t always reflect what makes you happy. Create traditions that align with your needs and values. This might mean skipping certain things that no longer bring you joy and trying something new and more in tune with your own vibe. Make the season about what you need, not what everyone else expects.
