Navigating Holiday Stress

The holiday season is often portrayed as a joyful time, but for many it can be filled with stress, increased expectations, and unresolved family dynamics. From managing high-pressure roles at work to fulfilling family obligations, the holidays can feel like a season of giving until there’s nothing left for oneself. Recognizing that it's okay to struggle during this time and to prioritize one’s mental health is the first step toward a balanced and meaningful holiday season.

Maybe you’ve lost loved ones and want nothing more than to spend one more Thanksgiving at Grandma’s house, open gifts on Christmas with your mom, or watch football with your dad, uncles and cousins. Maybe you’ve been single for three holiday seasons and you’re wondering if it’s always going to be like this. For some, you may have had to exclude yourself from yet another girls trip because you had to choose between buying gifts for the kids and doing something nice for yourself. For a select few, you may be preparing yourself to clinch your teeth, smile and nod through another holiday with your overbearing in-laws.  

If you’re anything like me, and many other high achieving women who wear all the hats all year-round, you may be dreading the time of year that proclaims to be magical and cheerful. Honestly, sometimes it can be anything but joyous.  Personally, I’m not religious and I don’t celebrate most holidays, but that does not exempt me from the imminent stress of the season. I am not a fan of large crowds, cold, gloomy weather, or pressure to participate in mass consumption of unnecessary things. As an entrepreneur, I am generally hyper-focused on finishing Q4 strong and already working toward next year’s goals while fighting the urge to not overeat! I mean, we’re going to be bundled up in layers for the next four months anyway…am I right? My midwesterners and east coasters know what I’m talking about, but I digress. 

Many women of color, especially those in leadership positions, feel an added layer of stress due to cultural and familial expectations. There’s often pressure to meet others' expectations while staying on top of professional goals. This can lead to burnout, fatigue, and heightened anxiety. It's essential to identify personal limits and set boundaries with both work and family. Taking the time to consider what genuinely matters to you this holiday season is a helpful way to avoid overcommitting. While all the things may seem important to you, not everything is a priority. However, your health and wellbeing is! It’s okay to take the extra day off, buy one less gift, cook one less meal, host one less event, do one less chore, or sign up for one less workshop or webinar. 

A valuable tool during the holidays is creating a support system, whether that includes friends, mentors, or therapists who understand the unique pressures you face. Knowing there are people to talk to when the going gets tough can make a world of difference. Setting aside intentional time for self-care, be it through meditation, journaling, or quiet evenings at home, can also help maintain emotional balance. This is a great time to reevaluate your self-talk, emotional triggers, personal needs and desires. Use this information to guide your decisions about how to move forward with grace, love, sensitivity and compassion for your own health and wellbeing. 

As you prepare for the holidays, remember that it’s okay to prioritize yourself. Boundaries, self-compassion, and a support network can transform the season from one of stress to one of self-care and connection. Embrace a holiday season where your mental health takes priority, and remember that in caring for yourself, you’re also caring for those around you.

For more helpful tips, guides and resources, sign up for our newsletter below. 

Interested in counseling services with LM Therapy and Wellness? Book a Free Consultation. 

For speaking, workshops, presentations, networking or collaboration: Schedule a virtual Coffee Talk.