The time between November and January can feel like an awkward limbo. Many clients I’ve spoken with recently have expressed sentiments like, “It’s a month that doesn’t really count,” or “It feels like everyone is just waiting for the holidays to be over.” Sound familiar?
For children, the holidays may bring excitement, but for adults, this time of year often highlights stress, expectations, and, for some, even a sense of lack. Whether it’s trying to create holiday magic for loved ones, managing finances, or simply dealing with the societal pressures of the season, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The truth is, stress during the holidays is incredibly common—and often under-addressed. In fact, studies show that 62% of people report their stress levels increase significantly during the holiday season. Stress is more than just a mental strain; it’s a physiological response that can affect your health in serious ways, contributing to headaches, digestive issues, and even heart problems. Mondays after the holiday season are notorious for hospital admissions due to stress-related conditions.
So how do you protect your mental health during this hectic time? Let’s break it down.
Tips to Manage Holiday Stress
1. Recognize How Stress Shows Up for You
Stress doesn’t just live in your head; it manifests in your body too. Pay attention to physical signs like fatigue, tension headaches, or digestive upset. Acknowledging these signs is the first step to addressing them.
2. Take a Social Media Break
Social media can be a double-edged sword, especially during the holidays. While it’s fun to see others’ celebrations, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Scrolling through someone’s curated highlight reel might make you feel like you’re not doing enough.
The other day, I found myself spiraling into “compare and despair” when I saw a video of a mom packing an elaborate steak lunch for her child. It made me question my own efforts, but then I realized: this pressure to “keep up” is exactly what leads to unnecessary stress.
Instead, consider deleting social media apps temporarily or limiting your screen time. Use that time to connect with yourself through journaling, meditation, or simply getting outside for fresh air.
3. Start Before the New Year
Society loves the “New Year, New Me” mantra, but waiting until January 1 to make changes only adds pressure. Why wait? You have the power to start today.
• Take a walk.
• Incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
• Stay hydrated.
• Make plans to see friends and nurture real-life connections.
Starting small, sustainable changes now can set the tone for a healthier, happier start to the year.
4. Ask for Help
One strategy I share with my clients is to give yourself three chances to tackle a task. If you can’t complete it after three tries, that’s your signal to ask for help—whether from a friend, partner, or professional.
Why Therapy Can Be a Holiday Lifesaver
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure where to start, therapy can be the gift you give yourself this season. Many people think of therapy as something to “deal with later,” but why wait until stress escalates? Therapy helps you:
• Gain tools to manage stress.
• Build confidence to set boundaries.
• Reconnect with yourself and your priorities.
Personally, therapy has been life-changing for me, and I’ve seen the same transformation in my clients. It’s not about waiting for a perfect time—it’s about taking the step when you know you need it.
Let’s Work Together
The holidays don’t have to be a time of overwhelm and comparison. You can reclaim your peace and start 2025 feeling empowered and balanced. If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you, so you can navigate this season—and beyond—with confidence and clarity.
Give yourself the gift of therapy this season. Let’s make this time count. You deserve to step into the best version of YOU.
About the Author
Jackie Caputo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides therapy in Woodland Hills, CA. She also provides online therapy in California to individuals throughout the state.