Dec 9, 2025
210
Mind & Mood
Lessen stress this holiday season
Just because the holiday season can be joyful doesn’t mean that it can’t also be stressful. Stress can come from negative events, but it can also come from fun activities like shopping, decorating and parties.
Here are some recommendations to help lessen your stress this holiday season.
Set realistic expectations.
If you strive for perfection, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Holiday celebrations don’t have to be perfect or exactly like they have been in past years. It’s OK to start new traditions, whether that means getting an artificial tree instead of a real tree or doing a potluck dinner instead of cooking everything yourself.
One important consideration is what the holidays mean to you — is it the religious aspect, time with family or something else? Shift your focus to that meaning and to gratitude.
Set boundaries.
Setting and sticking to boundaries during the holiday season can be helpful in managing stress. For one, set a financial boundary and commit to not spending more than you can afford on gifts. Your circumstances may be different than last year, so don’t compare.
You should also set personal boundaries. You don’t need to attend every event you’re invited to. It’s OK to say “No.” You can also set a time limit — for example, leaving an event after an hour — so you don’t overcommit. Set boundaries with family, too, whether this involves not engaging in conversations on certain topics or leaving a family gathering early. If you feel that a controversial topic might arise and you still want to attend an event, you can practice responses ahead of time.
Another consideration is boundaries with food and drinks. During a time that often features excess food and alcohol, partake in moderation. You can set guidelines that work well for you — for example, no more than one glass of wine. For those in recovery, the number should be zero. If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider the needs of those who don’t drink alcohol and offer non-alcoholic drink options.
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Pay attention to your body.
Some people may have physical symptoms of stress. It’s important to stay in tune with your body and take care of your health, even when there’s a lot going on. Maintain your routine appointments and continue to take any medicines as directed. Spending time and effort on others is great — but caring for yourself is key, too.
It’s also OK to experience grief and happiness at the same time. You can feel happy about a holiday moment and at the same time allow yourself to experience the feelings of loss, for example.
Still struggling?
If your symptoms don’t resolve, if they intensify, or if you’re having thoughts of suicide or hurting others, it’s time to seek professional help. TidalHealth has therapists who care for patients in Salisbury, Crisfield and Ocean Pines. TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury has a Behavioral Health Response Team in the Emergency Department available 24/7 to evaluate those in crisis.
For additional mental health support, you can also visit the TidalHealth Crisis Center, a behavioral health urgent care facility located at 200 E. Vine St. in Salisbury. Call the Crisis Center at 410-543-7181 for holiday hours of operation. If you need immediate help, call 911 or call/text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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