The holiday season is in full swing! While the holidays can be a wonderful time of joy and connection with family and friends, they can be stressful and challenging as well.

We often have clients share that this particular season is not always easy: it can be lonely, overwhelming, or anxiety-inducing. Is there a way to enjoy gatherings and holiday traditions while also maintaining our own peace in the middle of traffic and to-do lists?

Below are 3 suggestions for reducing stress and maintaining good mental health during the holiday season:

Treat Yourself Like a Plant

What do plants need? They need sun, air, nourishment, water and there’s evidence that plants respond well to music, too. When you prioritize your physical and mental well-being, you are able to enter into social situations more fully and with more enjoyment. Nourishing your body, getting plenty of sleep, and engaging in intentional movement or exercise are all great ways to be kind to yourself and are absolutely fundamental to good health. Tend to yourself as you tend to a cherished house plant and see how your capacity builds.

Have Realistic Expectations

The perfect lives depicted in holiday commercials are fictional. We all have struggles of one kind or another, and it’s not realistic to expect otherwise. Acknowledge that there will be ups and downs to any gathering and allow yourself to enjoy the wins and accept the more challenging moments. Recognize activities and situations that can activate higher stress levels and make a plan that works for you as you cope. Family dynamics can be complex, but you are able to enter into those dynamics in a way of your choosing.

Seek Support

Finding a place to talk can be helpful. Whether it’s with friends, family, co-workers, a therapist (or all of the above), relying on the support of those around you can help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it may be a good idea to meet with a therapist to explore and validate your experience. A therapist can help you to identify your goals, understand yourself more fully, and assist you in determining next steps for growth.

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog post was written by Julia Webb, LAPC.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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