For some, the holidays may indeed be the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, they’re simply not. And that’s ok.

Stress and strain pile up this season for many people, often because of some combination of social obligations, work expectations, isolation, travel, financial woes, grief, unrealistic expectations, complicated family dynamics, or all of the above. Add to that vulnerability the challenging wintery mix of shorter days, longer nights and colder temperatures, and it’s no wonder some people feel glum.

If you’re feeling less than festive this holiday season, remember that this, too, will pass. Rather than focusing on the negative, try shifting your thoughts instead to the things you can control and make small efforts, every day, to manage your stress in a healthy way. Here are some ideas to help get you started.

1. Eat a healthy breakfast. Mom always talked about the importance of the first meal of the day, right? Do yourself a favor and start the morning right by giving yourself nourishment that will energize you—and not make you want to head right back to bed.  Consider these items, which are also supported by the American Heart Association:

• • Unsweetened oatmeal with fresh fruit, cinnamon, applesauce and/or walnuts.
  • A smoothie with fresh or frozen fruit, low-fat yogurt or milk, and/or nut butter. If you’re feeling creative, mix in some herbs or even vegetables for added nutrients.
  • A whole grain waffle, or a piece of toast or English muffin topped with nut butter, or cottage cheese or an egg.

2. Keep up your healthy routines. Whether you’re traveling or just taking a few days off from work, don’t let your good habits go to waste. Stick with your exercise routine. Working out is a great way to clear your head and sweat out your stress. Plus, it can help you get a good night’s sleep, which never hurts and usually helps.
3. Plan active outings. Rather than meeting friends or family for food and/or drinks, think about social options that make you move. Take a walk around the neighborhood, go ice-skating, hit the gym together, or sign up for something new and different, like a dance class. If the weather’s bad, there’s always mall walking!
4. Plan a date with yourself. If you’re feeling like you’re being pulled in all different directions by all different people, take a deep breath. Then, plan something just for you. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it can be as simple as sipping a cup of your favorite tea, a quiet walk in the woods or a brief yoga session. Whatever the activity is, be intentional and enjoy it while it lasts.
5. Make a list of things to look forward to in 2025. Thinking ahead, past the holiday haze, could be just what the doctor ordered. Put on some music, light a candle and sit down with a sheet of paper and a pen. Think of activities, outings, goals or other ideas that give you something to get excited about next month and beyond, and start writing them down. Continue updating the list as inspiration strikes.
6. Reflect on what you learned in 2024. Similarly, take time to consider the highlights of this year. Go through old photos, relive some of your favorite moments and ruminate on what worked, what didn’t work and how you grew as a person. Are there lessons you can apply to 2025?
7. Set boundaries. Are there things that are causing you stress that you could change? Maybe you have too many invitations or obligations, or perhaps your family’s expectations are overwhelming. Think about guardrails you could put in place that could help you maintain your mental and physical health this season. Show up for yourself, and accept that you don’t have to be all things to all people all the time
8. Surround yourself with ready-to-eat snacks. The holiday sugar high tends to start in October with Halloween and goes strong through the end of December, with all the cookies, pies, candy and other sweets. Admittedly, it can be challenging to avoid all of the treats. But one tactic that might help is filling your fridge and pantry with healthy snacks that will energize and not deplete you. Stock up on fresh fruit, sliced vegetables, nuts, granola bars, string cheese, gum and other grab-and-go items that will power your decision to pass right by that candy dish without a second glance. At least, most of the time.
9. Minimize your alcohol intake. A cocktail or two seems like a great way to relieve stress, but drinking can actually exacerbate anxiety and mental health challenges, especially if you overindulge. Be mindful of how much you drink during the holidays, tempting as it may be. Try and follow the U.S. guidelines, which recommend one drink or fewer per day for women and two for men.
10. Get enough sleep. Losing sleep because of anxiety or just a hectic schedule only makes stress feel more, well, stressful! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when you get enough sleep you’re more likely to stay healthy, boost your mood, improve your heart health, reduce stress and more. Make sleep a priority and aim for at least seven hours a night — more if you can squeeze it in!
11. Make an appointment with your primary care provider to get up to date on your healthcare and address any concerns. Winter is prime time for getting sick. Do yourself a favor and get vaccinated for the flu and COVID and talk to your doctor about other immunizations that could help protect you from catching a virus. That way, as you head to family gatherings and parties with friends, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. While you’re at your appointment, be sure to bring up any aches and pains, or changes to your health, so that you can address them. Start the new year off right!