We are a little over a week into 2026 and many people have already begun their Dry January journey, a month of abstaining from alcohol. There are many reasons that draw people to participating in this yearly event. It’s possible that the body is in desperate need of a break after a week of spiked eggnog and celebratory bubbles. It’s also possible that concerns are more serious.

According to research and surveys, alcohol has become more of a problem in society since the COVID-19 pandemic. Drinking to excess, including binge drinking, increased by 21% in the United States during the pandemic. Researchers project that a one-year increase in alcohol consumption will cause 8,000 deaths from alcohol-related liver disease. 

It makes sense that people resorted to alcohol during the pandemic, which was full of uncertainty. Alcohol hits the neurochemical pathways in the brain to release endorphins that make you feel good. Many researchers state that sitting down with an alcoholic beverage provides a temporary sense of ease and comfort, making it a popular go-to for people to unwind. 

Why Do People Do Dry January

January marks the start of a new year, a fresh start to wipe the slate clean. The culture has programmed everyone into thinking that it is a time to break habits that no longer support your health. If you are concerned about your use of alcohol, the New Year may be the fresh start you need. You can join the masses who participate in Dry January, especially if you notice that your drinking habits have increased. Drinking more than seven alcoholic beverages per week can lead to a slew of health issues, so a month-long break may kickstart your efforts into changing up your beverage intake. Come February, you may find that alcohol doesn’t have the same place in your life as it did previously. 

You May Reduce Bloating And Lose Weight

Depending on how much you drank prior to Dry January, you may or may not lose a few pounds this month. Boozy beverages add empty calories to your diet, meaning they don’t fill you up the same way food calories do. Because of that, you can either keep drinking, or you increase your consumption of unhealthy foods, which leads to a caloric surplus. A lot of people also feel bloated as a result of drinking alcoholic beverages, especially from beer. Research states that chronic alcohol use can inflame the gastrointestinal tract, which can wreak havoc on the body. 

You May Sleep Better

A popular reason for drinking alcohol is to help relax the body and fall asleep. The reality is that while alcohol may put you to sleep, the sleep you get after drinking isn’t the best. You often wake up more frequently during the night and cannot get sufficient deep sleep. A small study found that drinking alcohol caused decreased sleep time and sleep efficiency. Dry January may benefit your sleep and energy levels, helping you feel more clear-headed and motivated. With that extra energy, you may have more energy for other activities, such as working out. 

You’ll Save Money

It is very easy to spend too much money when you hit the bars with friends. Shelling out $10 to $16 for a craft cocktail or pour of wine can put a serious dent in your wallet. Even if you don’t go out all the time, buying alcohol from the store several times a week can also add up. When you take a month off, you’ll notice that your bank account doesn’t decrease as rapidly. Realizing that may cause you to change your drinking habits once Dry January comes to a close. 

Your May Enhance Immune Function

A 2015 study found that healthy people who had an episode of binge drinking experienced a reduction in disease-fighting immune cells. Being intoxicated can suppress immune function, which makes you more vulnerable to pathogens. Chronic drinking, on the other hand, can increase your risk of inflammatory reactions throughout the body. Even one night of heavy drinking can impair your body’s ability to fight off infections for 24 hours. All that is to say that abstaining from alcohol may improve your body’s defense against viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. 

You’ll Have A New Relationship With Alcohol

When you hit the pause button on alcohol, you may realize that you don’t have to drink every day, or even at all. Learning that you don’t need alcohol in your life can be a valuable lesson for many people. Maybe you thought you needed alcohol to fall asleep, but you found that you slept better without it. The main thing is to analyze how you feel and assess the pros/cons of Dry January. It is very common that people view alcohol in a different light and have a more positive relationship moving forward. 

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Can too much stress in your life cause sickness? This was once thought to be a wellness cliché, but a growing body of research suggests that there may be real truth behind this theory. Chronic stress not only affects how you feel on an emotional level, but it also alters immune function on a cellular level. Ultimately, that changes how well the body defends itself against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and other germs. 

A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that insomnia and anxiety were linked to significantly lower levels of natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are among the immune system’s first line of defense. Findings indicated that the more severe the anxiety, the steeper the decline in NK cells. That means that stress and anxiety may actively thin your immune system’s army, in a way, making you more susceptible to illness. 

What Are NK Cells And What Do They Do?

NK cells belong to the innate immune system, which you can think of as the body’s rapid-response team. These cells monitor blood and tissues, identifying and destroying damaged, infected, or abnormal cells before problems arise. There are two subtypes of NK cells:

• CD16+CD56dim cells: These cells make up the majority of NK cells and are very cytotoxic, which means that they directly destroy harmful cells. 
• CD16+CD56high cells: These cells assist with regulating immune signaling and inflammation. 
• If NK cell numbers decline too much, the immune system may find it difficult to both contain infections and abnormal cell growth in the early stages. That ultimately raises long-term health risks. 

What Did The Study Reveal?

To begin, researchers examined 60 female university students aged 17 to 23. Participants completely validated questionnaires, assessing self-reported anxiety and symptoms of insomnia. They also provided blood samples in order for researchers to measure different NK cell populations. 

Researchers noted that mental health responses were very bleak, with 75% of participants reporting anxiety symptoms. Roughly 17% and 13% of participants fell into moderate and severe categories. Additionally, 53% of the participants experienced sleep difficulties that researchers found consistent with insomnia. Besides these startling findings, researchers noted that blood samples revealed a much clearer picture:

• The severity of anxiety mattered, with mild anxiety showing minimal, non-significant changes. Moderate to severe anxiety was associated with a notable reduction of NK cells. 
• Students who reported anxiety symptoms exhibited both lower numbers and lower percentages of NK cells, including cytotoxic types. 
• In students who reported sleep disturbances, higher anxiety scores revealed an even greater decline in total peripheral NK cells. 

An Important Note

The study focused on young women between the ages of 17 and 23. Sleep disorders and anxiety are rising the fastest in this age group. Although that makes the findings relevant, it also limits how broadly they can be applied. Researchers need future studies across different ages, sexes, and regions in order to fully understand how stress affects immune function. 

The Takeaway

Stress is not just something that lives in the mind. The constant edge that you cannot shake or racing thoughts may reshape the immune system and how it functions, leaving your body more vulnerable to illness. This study serves to remind people that having stress management practices can help your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Allow your whole body to flourish in the immediate and long-term when you get your stress under control.

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Why would you want to build resilience? Well, building resilience helps you overcome challenges, grow as a person, and face adversity. Unfortunately, you are not born with resilience, but anyone can practice and build it. Through various self-care practices, you can not only stay emotionally and mentally well, but also move through hard times and learn from experiences. This year, make it a point to become stronger and more resilient with these mental health practices. 

Set Realistic Goals

In order to set yourself up for success, you have to set realistic goals, which is essentially the practice of breaking down challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks. Not only will you build resilience by meeting your goals more often, but you’ll also move forward more quickly. If you want to run a 5K, for example, and you do not have a regular running routine, you cannot expect to be race-ready in a week’s time. Gradually build up your skills as a runner, jogging more each day until you have built up enough endurance to run one mile. Then you can run two miles and be closer to your 5K. 

• Break up those bigger goals into smaller steps. 
• Commit to each step and work toward your goal with a daily practice.
• Make sure each of your steps is realistic and doable. 
• Celebrate each accomplishment. 
• Gather support by reaching out to people who are working toward similar goals.

Build Problem-Solving Skills

Solving problems effectively is a great way to build resilience. To become more adept at problem-solving, you have to develop the knowledge and skillset to tackle problems with strategies that work. Consider these steps:

• Begin by identifying the problem you want to solve.
• Do your best to describe the problem by either writing it down or voicing it out loud.
• Try to determine the cause of the problem before trying to solve it.
• Think of several possible solutions for the problem. 
• Not the results and continue experimenting until you find a solution. 
• Having the right mindset will get you that much closer to solving the problem. 

Develop A Growth Mindset

When you have a growth mindset, you can see life’s challenges as new opportunities to learn. Basically, a growth mindset is the belief your abilities are not fixed; rather, you can develop new strengths and skills at any time. When you encounter something difficult, you do not retreat. You face the situation head on with the understanding that you will emerge a stronger person on the other side, and that you may learn a lesson to benefit you in the future. To help cultivate a growth mindset:

• Have realistic expectations of what you can accomplish. 
• Learn to embrace imperfections.
• Embrace the journey of learning via experience. 
• Learn to value and accept any and all criticism. 
• Reframe your idea of what failure means and learn from mistakes. 
• Give yourself the time and space to work through challenges or problems. 

Don’t Forget About Self-Care

What does self-care mean, and how does it help you build resilience? Well, you cannot move through difficult situations if you are not emotionally, mentally, and physically well. Self-care is any activity or practice that nourishes you. That could be reading a book in a bubble bath, meditating, or watching a couple episodes of your favorite show while doing a facial skin care routine. Common self-care practices include:

• Eating a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. 
• Practicing daily habits that help relieve stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
• Prioritizing sleep.
• Writing and reflecting on thoughts, feelings, or life experiences. 
• Engaging in regular physical activity that you actually enjoy.

Embrace Change And Be Flexible

The last thing you want to be is rigid when it comes to building resilience. Life is about embracing change and adapting to things when you encounter them. Your resilience is dependent on your ability to change directions when necessary. It’s also about appreciating imperfections and learning from unexpected things or experiences. Some ways you can do this are as follows:

• Try to look at the bigger picture and know that overreacting to something difficult does not help you move forward. 
• Understand that change is a part of life and that even if things get shaky, the only thing you can control is your reaction. 
• Try to maintain some hope, even if life throws you a few curveballs. Difficult situations can be unexpected, but the same applies for good situations. 
• Become more mindful of fixed thoughts, such as, “There is no way I’m doing that.” Or, “Everything is going to be this way forever!”

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For a lot of people, the hype of the holidays can bring a lot of excitement, joy, and lots of nostalgia. For others, the holiday season can bring up past trauma, estranged relationships, and feelings of loneliness. Even if that isn’t the case, the holidays are like an emotional rollercoaster. You go from intense levels of holiday activities to very low energy, which can seem like peace, but the emotional result is often depression.

What Are The Post-Holiday Blues?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the holiday blues are characterized by feelings of anxiety and stress that stem from a variety of reasons. A 2015 survey found that about 64% of people reported that they experienced the post-holiday blues. Financial stress, an inability to make it home for the holidays, and the emotional whirlwind of emotions after the holidays finish can all cause bouts of depression. Plus, seasonal depression is more common than you think, with about 14% of American adults experiencing the winter blues. 

If you are dealing with feelings of stress or depression, please understand that you are not alone. There are many ways to manage your symptoms and get the help you need. The post-holiday blues can affect people who may or may not be dealing with depression already. The following signs are common indicators of post-holiday blues:

• Activities are more difficult than normal
• Difficulty getting out of bed or struggling to make food
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Having trouble concentrating
• Losing interest in things that used to bring you joy

Don’t let the post-holiday blues control your life. Take action and manage your mental health, working through your feelings to start anew. We hope that the following tips help you beat the post-holiday blues. 

Get Out Of The House

Cut the atmosphere of being in a house that doesn’t have any holiday activities or aromas by getting out of your home. Even on a gray or snowy day, step outside to raise your energy levels. If it is really cold where you are, make sure to bundle up so as not to freeze. You can combine your outing by meeting a friend at a local coffee shop. Consider chatting with the cashier at the grocery store, the mail carrier, or even the gas station attendant. Getting out of your house is a great way to interrupt the winter blues. 

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking and the holidays seem to be quite synonymous, especially during holiday celebrations. The intake of libations tends to continue long after the celebrations come to a close, though. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can only enhance feelings of sadness, especially if you are alone. Drinking to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings, even if you push them down deep. Avoid alcohol if you can and consider doing something productive, like taking down decorations, getting rid of old clothes, or volunteer at a local shelter to help out those in need.

Talk To Someone Verbally

It’s easy to send a text, direct message, or email, but it means so much more when you communicate verbally. Think about someone that you enjoy being around or care about and call that person on the phone. Rather than complaining about your mood, ask them how they are doing. What was the best part of their holiday weekend, or where did they have the most fun? If you feel that someone may not answer their phone, you can send a text saying that you want to chat for a few minutes. 

Reread Greeting Cards

Greeting cards, or holiday cards, are not as common as they used to be, but people still send them and they can bring a smile to your face. We aren’t going to lie: some greeting cards are bland and boring. For every few bad greeting cards, you get a great one that you hopefully save. When the holidays are over, bust out the greeting cards to reread them and figure out which ones are your favorites. Don’t ruminate in your depression when you can easily brighten your spirits by reading words from a friend, family member, or loved one. 

Slide Out Of The Holidays

If you are going to sit on the couch and watch TV or do another activity, make sure that it is not holiday-related. It may not seem likely, but you can easily go down the rabbit hole of what you just lost. Take care of your mental health by taking your mind off the holidays and directing your gaze toward the new year. There are many things to do to wrap up the year! Consider getting a head start on your health goals, or start cleaning to have a neat and tidy home for New Year’s Day.

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Winter can seem like a very romantic time because something about cozying up seems romantic. There are various activities that seem to exclude single people, and there’s no fun in seeing everyone couple up. You don’t have to let couples enjoy an entire season while you sit it out and let your emotions get the better of you.

Regardless of your relationship status, you should always date yourself. That can mean different things for different people, but the general gist is enjoying alone time and treating yourself right. You don’t need to rely on anyone else during this alone time, which can often help relieve stress. There’s nothing like the winter season to start dating yourself. Continue reading to learn where to begin.

Go Ice Skating

As a quick note: don’t go ice skating on a questionable lake by yourself in the middle of nowhere. Ice skating at a holiday rink or on a public frozen pond can seem like a winter date idea, but it isn’t just an activity for couples. Going alone can be just as fun and you don’t have to worry about your skill level, so there is less pressure to “be good.” No need to impress anyone, so bundle up and head to the skating rink, get out on the ice, get in some exercise, and enjoy a hot beverage when you’re done. 

Take Yourself To A Show

You don’t have to spend your night in the house just because it’s cold outside. You can enjoy a night indoors and leave your house, too! Take yourself to a concert, show, comedy show, or movie. You can enjoy it with a friend or date, but there are many perks to attending shows alone. You don’t have to worry about abandoning anyone or worrying whether the person is enjoying it or not.

Teach Yourself Something New

One of the best ways to occupy your time and engage your brain is to learn something new. Consider learning a new language with an app or sign up for a drawing or pottery class. You can also take the time to learn a new instrument. There are so many informational tutorials for beginners and experts alike. You can teach yourself via these online videos or courses. The great thing about learning a new skill is that you might learn something new about yourself in the process!

Have A Nostalgia Night

Do you remember the days of living room forts and staying up all night watching TV or playing games? Adulthood doesn’t mean that you have to give up on those nights! Keep your memories alive and make new ones by building a cozy adult fort with pillows and blankets. Spend the night revisiting old TV shows and movies you love. If you have a record player and vinyl records, have a night where you enjoy a glass or two of wine and just listen to your favorite records from front to back. Make some snacks or go out and buy a few favorites from your youth. The possibilities on a nostalgia night are endless!

Cook A Fancy Dinner

This doesn’t just have to be a wintertime activity because you deserve a fancy dinner whenever you want one. Most fancy dinners are labor intensive, so you may not want to go through the effort all the time. That said, consider taking yourself out to dinner if you don’t have the right ingredients or culinary tools on hand. Preparing a quality meal from scratch, while it requires time, often delivers a great sense of accomplishment. Not only will you feel proud of yourself for pulling the dish off, but you’ll also make your taste buds happy.

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When you think of the holidays, twinkling lights, hot cocoa, festive cheer, and time with friends and family come to mind. Too many people understand that the holidays typically bring about stress and pressure. Planning gatherings, hosting parties, and managing financial concerns are just a few things that come with the season. That’s why we recommend you take some time for self-care in order to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

What Is Self-Care?

In a nutshell, self-care is any action or effort that preserves or improves your overall health or wellbeing. That is especially true during periods of stress. Self-care is especially important during the holidays, as it balances the pressure you put on yourself or what others put on you to fulfill expectations. Create a buffer for yourself using self-care practices, which can look different for everyone. Some people may need a relaxing bath, while others may simply need to say no to holiday commitments. Consider the following self-care tips to have a stress-free holiday. 

Make Time For Movement

Physical activity, even if it is a brisk walk in the crisp winter air during your lunch break, is a great way to relieve stress. Find time to move in ways that are supportive to your body. Gentle movements, such as yoga or stretching, can be highly beneficial, especially if you sit all day for work. During time with family, spend time walking around the neighborhood and admire the lights.

Practice Positive Affirmations

A simple practice of saying positive affirmations for a couple minutes every day can help reinforce a sense of inner peace. You can also meditate for five minutes every day to help reduce stress and center yourself. Alternatively, practice gratitude by keeping a daily gratitude journal. Write down five things (big or small) that you are grateful for!

Set Healthy Boundaries

This tip applies to family or friends, because you should always do what is comfortable for you. Attend the number of events that you want, know your limits, and do not be afraid to communicate them with friends or families. Just remember that it is perfectly acceptable to turn down invitations or delegate tasks during chaotic times. 

Stay Hydrated

With all the hustle and bustle, you can easily forget to both eat and drink water. Drinking water throughout the day can help improve digestion, manage stress, prevent unnecessary snacking, and improve overall wellbeing. If you are not great about drinking water, carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times. You can even set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to drink more water. 

Stick To A Budget

Be mindful of what you can and cannot afford in order to reduce financial stress this holiday season. Plan your spending and stick to it! Use budgeting apps to help you avoid over-spending and remember that it is ultimately the thought behind the gift that means more than how much you spend. 

Take Social Breaks

Socializing can take a lot out of you, so it is no wonder that you feel exhausted after attending a party or gathering. It is essential to incorporate solitary quiet time to help you reconnect with yourself. Look for moments in your schedule where you can schedule solitude, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Consider meditating or doing your affirmations during this time as well. 

Express Emotions Openly

The holidays can stir up a mixture of emotions. Do not hold these feelings inside; rather, allow yourself the freedom to express what you are feeling, be it joy, sadness, stress, etc. Keep a journal or schedule a weekly call with someone you trust and can openly vent to. Sharing emotions with someone you trust can be incredibly relieving, so do not be afraid to seek support this holiday season.

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For most people, the holiday season brings relatives, glorious feasts, and the inescapable spending. They also bring fun in the snow (location dependent), hot cocoa and pumpkin spice, and family outings. That all sounds incredible, except for the fact that it usually comes with holiday stress.

On top of the stress that surrounds the holidays, the change in weather and daylight savings tends to induce seasonal affective disorder. That isn’t the case for everyone, but seasonal depression is a very real thing. What do you do to fight the holiday stress, then? Read on to learn about five mindful tips to help manage holiday stress and actually enjoy this season. 

Travel Smart

Do you plan to visit friends and family over the holidays? Holiday travel is quite busy, which is stressful in and of itself. Since you are probably never going to run into the person sitting next to you on the airplane, engage in a little relaxation by pampering yourself. Consider some under eye gel pads to help depute the eyes and provide moisture during travel on a dry plane. Planning ahead is also a great travel tip to reduce stress. Create a packing list and do you packing ahead of time, visualizing the necessities to prevent overpacking. Lastly, pack some hand sanitizer to fight germs and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your flight.

Gift Yourself A Pampering Experience

Don’t simply limit yourself to an under eye gel pad on the airplane and call it day on self-pampering. Treat yourself to a relaxing experience, such as a massage, facial, or day at the spa using their services. If you want to experiment with a new service, try out acupuncture or cupping, as both of these therapies can help you decompress and release toxins. Feeling a bit more daring? Book a fire and ice therapy and alternate between an ice bath and an infrared sauna to help reduce inflammation and boost your mood. 

Plan Ahead

Whether you want to adhere to your diet, stay on top of your work, or keep stress at bay during the holidays, planning ahead is crucial. Maintain a clear calendar with festivities/events you want to attend, but schedule time for self-care as well. Make a list of all the people you want to buy gifts for, or plan out gifts you want to make for specific people. Pick out what outfits you have in your closet that can work with upcoming occasions. Make a mental note when those outfits need to come out, or if you need to bring them on a holiday trip. 

Drink Mindfully

Holidays are synonymous with celebrations and libations. If you drink alcohol and plan to drink during holiday functions, prepare yourself properly. Make sure to imbibe slowly and don’t mix with sugary sodas or juices. Additionally, it’s best to take vitamins C and B to help the body get ahead of recovery. Drink electrolytes the following morning, or even the same night, to aid the breakdown of alcohol. That can help your liver detox as you sleep. 

Reflect On The Year

Take the time at the end of the year to pat yourself on the back. You made it through another year, which is quite an accomplishment. Look back and see all that you did. Write down the things you are most proud of having done, how you grew as a person and the people you want to thank. Next, think of things you want to manifest in the New Year. Set intentions and go forth with fire! Journaling, or making a gratitude journal, at the end of the year is a great practice. It may even help you release whatever’s been stressing you out this season!

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The holiday season can be very uplifting for a lot of people, but not everyone feels that way. It’s very common for stress to overwhelm the mind and body during this time of year. Perhaps the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones proves too much. Hosting a large family gathering, or traveling to meet family can also induce a lot of stress. 

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Mental health experts agree that setting clear boundaries can make a big difference in preserving your mental and emotional health. A healthy boundary can be defined as such: your list of what is okay and what is not okay. That means you have to clearly establish what you are comfortable with before encountering certain situations. Perhaps you are sober and attend a holiday party. Some friends or family members come and try to get you to drink, but you have to let them know that you are content without imbibing. Your uncle treats you like a child even though you are 40 years old. Whatever the case, you feel frustrated, and that is where healthy boundaries enter the equation. 

Define Priorities

Before you even think about setting boundaries, make sure you understand what your priorities are. Are there aspects of the holiday season that are meaningful to you? Is it important to spend time with immediate family, reconnect with old friends, or spend time alone? Make sure to understand your priorities, as that understanding will guide you to set boundaries that set you up for success. 

Communicate Openly

Do not be afraid to share your intentions and needs with people. If they truly care about you, then they will respect these boundaries because they are important to you. Honest conversations can prevent conflict and misunderstanding. In fact, your loved ones are more likely to respect your wishes if you explain where you are coming from and why these boundaries matter. 

Create A Budget

This is more of a personal boundary that can help you avoid stress regarding gift giving. Financial stress is very common during the holidays, as many people often spend beyond their means. Setting a budget for holiday spending can help you avoid financial stress. That means that you have to plan your budget for holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment expenses ahead of time. The most important thing: stick to that budget!

Politely Decline

You do not have to say yes to every single party invitation or holiday request that comes your way. There is great power in the ability to say no. You can politely decline when you need to, and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In fact, saying no to things is a great way to conserve your energy for things that matter the most. Whether you know it or not, saying know is a great way to practice self-care and set boundaries simultaneously. 

Prioritize Self-Care

Speaking of self-care, it is very easy to forget about yourself during the holidays. It is difficult to take care of yourself when there is so much to do. Find moments for yourself and do things you love during those moments. Go to the gym, watch a movie, read a book, meditate, or practice writing in a journal. Do not be afraid to recharge your batteries and show yourself love. Consider gifting yourself a massage or facial!

Congratulate Yourself

You stood your ground, you said no, you shared what mattered to you, and then some. Great job! Being vulnerable, honest, and respectful is not easy, but you did it! Sometimes, it takes a little force to establish boundaries, but people will respect them if they care about you. People may get upset at your boundaries, but don’t worry about that. Setting boundaries will help you feel more confident about setting new ones when the time comes. At that time, you’ll have the knowledge and power to set them even more clearly!

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The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy, connection, and inevitable stress. Busier schedules, elaborate meals, office parties, end-of-year projects, shorter days, and family dynamics can be quite overwhelming. All of these things can make it tricky to successfully navigate the holiday season. 

In an effort to help you eat wisely, prioritize mental health, and support your mood, we have a holiday survival guide. Hopefully, it helps you make it through the holiday season without burning out. You got this! 

Stress-Relieving Tips

Anyone who has encountered the holidays as an adult understands that stress is a real thing. Behavioral health experts encourage people to give themselves permission to simplify whenever possible. Are you being stretched too thin? Follow this self-care guide to keep your sanity this holiday season: 

• Set a spending plan because financial strain is one of the top causes of holiday stress and anxiety.
• Ask for help because there is no need to carry the weight of the holiday season alone. 
• Say “no” when you have to because saying “no” means that you are setting healthy boundaries. You do not have to attend every event. Take time for yourself to prevent a burnout.
• Take five minutes here and there to help reset yourself. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or short walks can help reset the nervous system. 

Mental Health And The Holidays

The holidays can be a very joyful experience, but they can also bring about feelings of pain and loneliness. The “holiday blues” are very normal, whether you are managing a family conflict or dealing with your own loneliness. Having some coping mechanisms can help you understand when to seek care. When you find yourself in the darkness, use the following tips to help find some light:

• A short little walk outside goes a long way 
• Listen to music that makes you feel good and lifts your spirits
• Seek natural light, or utilize artificial light when necessary
• Experiment with a gratitude journal
• Try box breathing, meditation, or a yoga practice

If you notice that the holiday blues are not going away, or your symptoms are worsening, consider professional help. Persistent struggles may indicate a more significant situation, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Talk to your care provider if:

• Grief feels overwhelming
• You think you may have SAD
• Stress or general sadness is affecting daily life
• Your child shows signs of anxiety
• You have difficulty maintaining regular eating patterns

Healthy Eating During The Holidays

The holidays are both a festive and glutenous time. Special meals, traditions, parties, and more inspire eating copious amounts of unhealthy foods. Instead of viewing your meals through a “naughty” or “nice” lens, focus on balancing your diet. Keep the following in mind when you enjoy meals with family or friends this holiday season. 

Keep Your Goals In Mind

In order to avoid going off the deep end during the holidays, registered dietitians encourage keeping health goals in mind. It’s easy to abandon everything and think that you will just “fix it” in the new year when resolutions are fresh. Don’t skip meals; rather, eat regularly during the day to avoid overeating. Focus on meals that are rich in lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Feel free to enjoy your holiday treats in moderation instead of restricting entirely. Allowing yourself to have some treats will keep you from overdoing it. Lastly, slow down and focus on enjoying what you are eating. Mindful eating can keep you on the healthy path!

Avoid The Food Morality Mindset

If you label foods as “junk” or “bad,” you can experience guilt, restriction, or overeating as a result. Food has no moral value and you do not need to earn or burn off holiday treats. Focus on memories associated with holiday foods. A pie is not typically healthy, but making the pie and eating it together is a joyous experience. Take a step back, consider the positives that come from different foods, and reshape how you think about those foods without moral judgment. 

Be Patient With Yourself And Loved Ones

The holidays can worsen eating disorder behaviors or triggers for a lot of people. This is not something to take likely, considering over 30 million Americans have suffered from an eating disorder at some point during their lives. The holidays can increase stress, trigger anxiety, and cause emotional strain, all of which increase these eating disorder symptoms. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, encourage open conversation and get help when necessary.

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A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that a dark cloud of stress is looming over the upcoming holiday season. Americans are sweating about the economy, so the stress is more amplified than in years past. The most recent Healthy Minds poll from the APA is just one out of a series of polls to track public sentiment on mental health issues year round. 

The latest results come from online interviews that the APA conducted. These interviews took place over two days (November 4th & 5th, 2025), and included more than 2,200 adults. There was a margin of error plus or minus two percentage points for these interviews. 

What Is The Biggest Overall Concern?

After analyzing the interviews, researchers found that 75% of all respondents stated that they are very or somewhat anxious about the economy. Close behind that number one concern was healthcare, with 71% saying that they are somewhat or very anxious about that. When the respondents were specifically asked about the upcoming holidays, 41% stated they anticipate more seasonal stress this year compared to years past. That percentage is a significant increase since 2024, which had 28%, and 2023, which had 23%. 

The report suggests that 48% of participants were most worried about missing a loved one or experiencing grief. About 46% of participants expressed worry about affording holiday gifts. Researchers noted that one-third of the participants cited concerns about family dynamics or feeling lonely. The poll concluded that one in five participants said that end-of-year holidays have a negative impact on their mental health. 

There Is A Bright Side

Nearly 50% of the participants said that the holiday season is a generally positive experience for their mental health. The experience of seeing family and friends, eating delicious food, and giving and receiving gifts were among the top activities participants looked forward to the most. And even though some people dread the holiday season, which can come with some level of stress, it is a time for familial connections, fun, and fellowship. Make the holiday season something to look forward to. After all, research shows that being future-oriented is positive for your mental health. 

These Results Do Not Surprise Experts

Mental health experts note that anxiety is one of the most commonly-experienced conditions for adults in the United States. For this reason, the results of the poll are not surprising. Political stress, toxic news cycles, and comparing oneself to unrealistic depictions seen on social media are just a few common causes of anxiety. Additionally, more people feel more comfortable now reporting their experience with anxiety, which also explains the increase in numbers from previous years. 

Holiday-induced anxiety can creep up around this time of year, regardless of whatever else is happening. Anxiety tends to show up subtly and may reveal itself through irritability, difficulty concentrating, or tension in the body. Those symptoms occur long before it becomes overwhelming. 

Can You Manage Holiday Stress? 

The best thing to do if you experience holiday stress is to ask for help. By seeking support from your family members or friends, you can help delegate tasks and lighten your emotional load. It’s also important to simplify your to-do list, as differentiating between necessary obligations and optional tasks can free up some time. Practice gratitude because that’s what the holiday season is truly about. People with regular gratitude practices, such as writing in a gratitude journal, tend to experience more positive physical and emotional benefits. Lastly, if anxiety is too intense or long-lasting, consider professional support. You do not need to tackle it alone, and even the act of seeking help tends to lift a little weight off your shoulders.

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