The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people, they can also bring stress, exhaustion, or emotional overwhelm.
In fact, 89% of Americans polled by the American Psychological Association said they have at least one stressor pop up during the holidays.
Between family gatherings, financial pressures, and packed schedules, it’s easy to lose sight of your own mental wellness. It’s hard, at times, to just make it through the day. All of this can even trigger feelings of depression.
The good news? With a few intentional habits, you can protect your mental health and stay grounded through the hustle and bustle of the season. Dr. Hadi Estakhri believes your mental wellness deserves just as much care as your physical health.
So, here are some practical ways to find balance and peace during the holidays, courtesy of our Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health team in Newport Beach, California.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to make the holidays perfect. Decorations, meals, gifts, and family dynamics all vie for your attention, but one person can’t do it all.
Instead, focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Keep the traditions you love, and let go of those that no longer serve you. Simple and meaningful often means more than elaborate and perfect.
Tip: Consider delegating tasks when possible.
Trying to manage additional responsibilities during the holidays can strain even the most detail-oriented people. If you struggle with organization, a common symptom of ADHD, use tools to help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Use the calendar on your phone, set reminders when needed, or use a paper planner. Whatever method works for you, use it!
Between work events, family obligations, and holiday parties, your schedule can fill up fast during the holidays. It’s okay to say no to some activities.
Protect your time and energy by prioritizing the events and people that mean the most to you.
When the holidays (and life in general) get busy, sleep, nutrition, and exercise often take a back seat, but these are the very foundations of mental wellness. Try to maintain regular sleep hours, eat balanced meals, and move your body daily.
Focusing on gratitude, whether through a daily list or quiet reflection, can shift your mindset from stress to appreciation.
You can also try the “get to” reframe exercise. Instead of fretting that you “have to” bake cookies for your child’s entire class at school, reframe it. You “get to” bake cookies.
This subtle shift places a greater emphasis on the opportunities and privileges you have. This small tweak can help you stay grounded in what really matters.
Mindfulness means intentionally focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. It’s about noticing what’s happening right now rather than getting caught up in worries about your to-do list.
It can calm your nervous system, improving focus and creating space to respond thoughtfully rather than react under stress. Studies show that mindfulness can improve your resilience to stress and even help manage anxiety.
There are many different types of mindfulness, including guided meditations. However, a particular mindfulness exercise called “Clouds in the Sky” can be done anywhere and anytime.
To practice this exercise, acknowledge a thought or feeling and let it drift by, just like a cloud floating across the sky. For example, instead of getting frustrated that the checkout line is 10 people deep, acknowledge that you’re feeling impatient and then let it pass without getting caught up in it.
If you’re struggling to manage stress, anxiety, or depression this holiday season, our practice offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you find the clarity you need during the holidays and beyond. Call our office at 949-945-0927 or book an appointment online today.
