When thinking of Thanksgiving what thoughts come to mind? Delicious food, not being able to button your pants, spending time with family and friends, and more. However for many, images of stress and tension may also pop up as for many, the holidays may bring stress, anxiety, and depression.

Often we may feel we have to brave through stress and worry, and that this is the only way to tackle the holiday: by grinning and bearing it. While this may seem like the best option in the short-term, when you add up the holidays each year and multiple by the many years you may manage holiday stress, this can seem overwhelming. The holidays are not a mental health sprint, but a marathon thus why not strategize on how to make the most of the holidays.

Here are some tips for the holiday season:

Acknowledge your feelings. Know it is okay to feel stressed or worried around the holidays. It’s also okay to express those feelings. None of us are expected to be happy throughout the holiday season.
Reach out to support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, lonely, or isolated, seek out support from others. Volunteering during the holidays is another great way to lift your spirits.
Set realistic expectations: The holidays do not have to perfect or fit a certain mold each year. As the world changes and individuals change certain traditions and rituals may change as well. Try to find new ways to connect with others and celebrate when you may find those traditions and rituals are not possible this year. Set realistic expectations of what you can and cannot achieve during the holiday season this year.
Plan ahead: Determine specific days you will do needed holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, prepping, etc. This will help prevent last minute scrambling, and stress, to accomplish holiday activities.
Be able to say no: Often we say “yes” because we feel we have to, however in doing so we may feel overwhelmed and resentful. Family, friends, and colleagues will understand if you cannot participate in every activity. It’s alright to say no and only engage in what you feel you have space for.
Take breaks: Make sure to take time for yourself this holiday season, even if just for 15 minutes per day. Take time, without distractions, to focus on what you’d like to do, and need to do. Try to find activities for yourself that allow you to destress and clear your mind like a breathing exercise.

The holiday season doesn’t need to be a time filled with stress and anxiety. With a bit of planning and building up some coping strategies, you’ll be excited to take on the holiday season this year.

It’s normal to feel stress during the holiday season, and it’s okay to ask for support. For further support during the holidays, click here.