Not everyone feels festive around the holidays. Pressure to pull off the “perfect” holiday can come from others or from within ourselves. Even when we try to stay calm about the season, we may still worry about disappointing others, struggle to keep up with demands on our time, or feel low when this time of year reminds us of loss or difficult memories.  

But don’t let the “holiday blues” dampen on your holiday this year.  Here are four ways to make the holiday less stressful and maybe even enjoyable!

Do the things that are good for you. Parties and obligations may tug at your time, but don’t let them crowd out good self-care. Get enough sleep, avoid the drive-thru by eating well, and stick to your exercise program. Exercise especially boosts mood and reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, so if this is a tough season for you, make it a priority to get your heart pumping more days than not.

Set limits and priorities. You can’t do it all. None of us can. S Decide what excites you most or matters most about the holiday, then cut the list down to what you can reasonably accomplish and do well. We can quickly overwhelm ourselves by thinking about everything we could do, so don’t go down that rabbit hole. Choose a few priorities and feel comfortable saying no to everything else.

Look for sources of support. Accept how you feel and let others show up for you. Tell them what you’re feeling and what you need.  Friends and family often offer great support, but don’t be afraid to seek out a support group, a workshop, or another source of connection if you need it. Many mental health centres and places of worship host activities that help people make the most of this time of year.

And finally, volunteer. You may feel particularly celebratory, and that’s ok. But getting out and giving back can bring meaning to a challenging time of year. Helping others can connect you with people when you feel alone or create a sense of purpose when the holiday season feels empty. You might be surprised by how good it feels to do something kind for someone else.

Of course, it is possible you’re dealing with more than the holiday blues. Depression is more than just feeling sad for a few weeks; it can include changes in sleeping and eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness and a loss of pleasure in daily activities. If this sounds like what you’re going through, reach out for professional treatment.

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More details on depression, if you think that might be what you’re going through

Experiencing the holidays after a divorce? Some thoughts on how to help your kids

Here’s another article with how to navigate the holiday blues