Protecting your wellbeing during the holiday season

The winter holidays are often a time filled with family gatherings, shared traditions, and excitement. But for many of us, this season of joy also can bring stress, anxiety, and even feelings of grief.

If you're a person who finds the holidays emotionally taxing, know that you're not alone. In a 2023 survey conducted by the Harris Poll, 41% of respondents reported increased stress levels during the holiday season, and 43% said that the stress of the holidays interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.

Fortunately, there are practical steps we can take to safeguard our mental and emotional health as we gear up for the holidays. Here, Jen Brandt, PhD, AVMA's director of member wellbeing and diversity initiatives, shares five strategies to help you prepare.

Take a traditions inventory

Traditions are essentially habits that have been passed down through the generations. While they can be a great way of bringing family and friends together, sometimes we become so wedded to the tradition itself, we forget to consider whether it still serves its intended purpose. If it doesn't, it can wind up feeling more like a burden than a joy to maintain.

Before the holidays begin, ask yourself if a tradition brings you joy and if you are continuing it because you want to or because you feel obligated. If it's a tradition you still look forward to, by all means keep it up. If not, it may be time to offer it up to someone else, or simply let it go.

It's OK to say no

Take some time to reflect and identify your own needs and capacity during this holiday season. They may be different from previous years, and that's OK. Be open and honest with yourself and others about your desired level of involvement and set realistic goals for your budget, time commitments, travel, etc.

If coming together in person isn't an option this year, you can propose alternative dates to spend time with loved ones or offer different ideas for connecting over the holidays-for example, with video calls, a virtual holiday party, or exchanging fun photos on a family chat. (Matching pajamas or themed holiday outfits, anyone?)