If you feel a little overwhelmed during the holidays, welcome to the club. A poll conducted on behalf of the American Psychological Association (APA) found that most people feel stretched thin. In fact, only 16% of adults say they don’t experience more stress this time of year. Those who live with a mental health condition may even find their symptoms worsening because of the seasonal roller coaster.

But there’s good news. While you may not be able to control many of your stressors, you can control the way you respond to them. By making a few tweaks, you can work to shift your outlook, channel your emotions and even feel optimistic about what’s ahead. After all, if you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you show up for others?

Here are some steps you can take in the name of your mental health.  

Make the most of any “me” time you can nab. Whether your holidays are a social whirlwind or a time of quiet and solitude, make the most of any solo time you get by doing things you love. Read a good book, watch your favorite movies, binge your favorite series, embark on an art project, bake holiday treats, assemble puzzles, take a long soak, and have the awareness to appreciate every minute of it.

If you find yourself with too much “me” time, fill it with meaning. If you’re one of the many people who feels lonely during the holidays, and you wish to get out of your own head, you have plenty of options. Many non-profit organizations would love your help, for starters. Connect with a charity in your area and sign up to volunteer, whether that means walking dogs, cuddling cats, distributing food, “adopting” a family or helping out with administrative tasks. For a less formal feel-good activity, think of ways you could help out members of your own family, and reach out to old friends to reconnect. Importantly, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes it just requires a little effort and outgoingness to get organized on the social front.  

Take care of yourself mentally and physically. During stressful times, it’s easy to let bad habits creep in. Do your best to maintain a regular, healthy routine. That means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, moderating your alcohol intake and getting enough sleep. If you’re concerned about any health issues, talk to your primary care provider and take action. Remember, when you take care of the basics, it’s easier to juggle everything else.

Try to reframe your thoughts and actions. Consider what’s causing stress and how you could work around it. If you’re anxious about finances and buying gifts, devise affordable alternatives such as DIY art or snacks you could make, or write out a heartfelt message in a card. If you’re worried about making small talk at a friend’s holiday party, focus on your gratitude for that friend, and think of how important it is to them that you’re present. If your family dynamics stress you out, reflect on the traits you value within each person and angle for one-on-one time with them, away from the fray. Try and find meaning in your own way, and don’t sweat the extraneous stuff.

Breathe deep. The way you breathe could actually help lower your blood pressure and calm you down. Harvard Medical School says that slow breathing—which means taking roughly six to 10 breaths per minute—may actually make a measurable difference in how you function and how you feel. Try it for a few minutes a day and see what happens.

Ask for help. Don’t feel shy about speaking up. If you’re wading through difficult times, let friends and family know and don’t hesitate to ask for help. And if that’s not enough, talk to your primary care provider or make an appointment with a therapist, who can help you work through what you’re feeling and maybe even offer advice on how to set boundaries, manage stress and recalibrate your expectations.

As you navigate all the ups and downs of the season, it’s important to prioritize your own mental health. In fact, it might be the best gift you could give yourself. As the new year draws closer, remember to keep your expectations in check and try respond to stress in a positive way—and the rest will sort itself out.