Coping with Holiday Stress & Anxiety

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 M E N T A L H E A L T H M I N U T E Mental Health Minute Coping With Holiday Stress & Anxiety The holidays can be joyful yet stressful, with social, financial, and perfection pressures causing overwhelm. Here are practical ways to manage emotions and enjoy the season more fully: • Set realistic expectations. Let go of perfection and focus instead on meaningful connections, gratitude, and rest as traditions naturally evolve. • Prioritize self-care. Prioritize rest and self- care by making time for activities that help you recharge and protect your energy. • Budget mindfully. Manage holiday spending wisely by setting a realistic budget and focusing on meaningful, low-cost gifts or experiences. • Stay connected. Lean on supportive friends, family, or professionals when you’re feeling isolated—sharing your feelings can ease emotional stress. • Practice mindfulness. Take a few mindful moments each day to breathe, reflect, or meditate—helping you stay grounded and present amid life’s chaos. • Create boundaries. Protect your mental health by setting boundaries—saying “no” without guilt helps preserve your energy and well-being. • Focus on gratitude. Practicing daily gratitude can reduce anxiety and promote peace by helping you stay focused on life’s positives. 401 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46280 LHDbenefits.com Office: Population Health: [email protected] Tips for a Mindful Year-End As the year draws to a close, December naturally invites a moment of pause. Between the flurry of holiday plans and the anticipation of a fresh start in January, it’s easy to overlook your emotional well- being. Yet, this month may be one of the most important times to gently check in with your mental well-being. The end of the year offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what has passed and reset intentions for what’s ahead. However, before rushing into resolutions, think about creating space for self- compassion and clarity. Consider the following tips to do just that: Reflect. Take a quiet moment to look back on the year—not just the milestones, but the everyday moments as well. What challenged you? What surprised you? What helped you grow? Reflection isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness. Recognize. Celebrate your wins—big and small. Maybe you led a successful project, supported a teammate or showed up on tough days. Acknowledging your efforts builds confidence and resilience. At the same time, recognize areas for growth without judgment. Reset. Take time to reset and set intentions for 2026. Consider what kind of energy you want to carry into the new year. What values will guide your choices? What boundaries or habits will support your well-being? A short mindfulness practice or writing a letter to your future self can help you connect with your vision.