Published: December 23, 2024 by Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador

The holiday season can be a time of joy, but it often brings stress and anxiety, especially for library workers and students who juggle busy schedules and a variety of responsibilities. Whether it’s navigating differing opinions, coping with the absence of loved ones, managing a tight budget, or simply feeling overwhelmed by expectations, the holidays can be tough for many. It’s important to prioritize your well-being by planning ahead, setting boundaries, and finding ways to stay grounded. Take care of yourself, honor those you’ve lost, and remember that it’s okay to postpone tasks when needed. If your mood doesn’t improve or symptoms persist after the holidays, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Here are five practical tips to help you manage holiday stress:

1. Set Boundaries

   • Limit the number of social events you attend to avoid burnout.

   • Politely decline invitations or set a specific time frame for gatherings if you need to leave early.

   • Communicate your availability for gift exchanges, travel plans, or family visits so others know your limits.

   • Be honest about your emotional energy and take breaks when needed.

2. Practice Self-Care

   • Prioritize sleep and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even with holiday disruptions.

   • Plan activities that bring everyone together, like baking cookies or decorating a tree, rather than focusing on differences.

   • Set aside time for activities that relax you, like reading, journaling, or taking walks.

   • Practice mindfulness or meditation for a few minutes each day to center yourself.

   • Enjoy a hobby or creative activity, like cooking, painting, or knitting, to recharge.

3. Focus on Unity

   • Engage in conversations about shared traditions, values, or positive memories.

   • Show empathy by actively listening to others and acknowledging their feelings.

   • Share experiences that celebrate the season’s spirit of kindness and togetherness, like volunteering or donating.

4. Accept Differences

   • Let go of expectations that everyone needs to share your opinions and respect their views.

   • Set aside disagreements and focus on the joy of spending time together, even with differing beliefs or practices.

   • Reframe uncomfortable conversations by focusing on mutual respect, instead of trying to “win” an argument.

   • Allow yourself to step away from heated discussions if they start to feel overwhelming or unproductive.

5. Seek Support

   • Reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday pressures.

   • Join a support group or community event to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.

   • Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks or ask for help in preparing meals, shopping, or handling family matters.

   • Talk about your feelings openly to those you trust, whether it’s venting or asking for practical assistance.

By applying these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season with greater ease, ensuring both your professional and personal well-being are prioritized.

Resources consulted:

American Heart Association. Holiday stress? Try our top 5 tips for a healthy holiday season.

American Psychological Association. Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans.

Healthline. 6 tips for managing holiday stress.

Mayo Clinic. Tips for taking control of the holidays (so they don’t they control of you).

National Alliance of Mental Health. The most difficult time of the year: mental health during the holidays.

National Council on Aging. Mental health and the holidays: 9 tips for self-care.

Forbes. 10 Top Tips for navigating holiday grief and stress in 2024.