The holiday season and end-of-year can ask a lot of us. With the hustle and bustle of activities may come increased expectations and demands, and feeling obligated to fulfill them. One may be asked to help with family functions, buy presents, attend social or charitable events, or be involved with social gatherings that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Work can be busy, too, with year-end deadlines and preparations.

It can be very easy to forget to prioritize your own emotional and mental health over the requests that other individuals ask of us. At times we may feel worn or stressed out as a result of facing what feels like one obligation after another. 

Being attentive to your emotions during the holiday season can be helpful. For example, acknowledging to yourself that certain situations or interactions can be challenging, such as guilt-inducing statements from family members, overstimulation or sensory overload, criticisms, and unrealistic expectations. During this season, you may also feel grief or loss more acutely. Preparing for these possible stressors can help you plan for ways to better manage your emotional responses and practice healthy coping skills.

In preparing for the holiday season and the end-of-year demands, here are some tips for taking care of yourself.

Protect time for yourself–and for rest

• Set aside time for yourself and be mindful of your own needs – if you can, protect time on your calendar for restful moments and dedicate time to care for your needs.
• If possible, try sleeping without an alarm clock on non-work days to refresh your natural sleep schedule.
• Take time to count your breath in solitude. 
• Take time to slow down and pace yourself. 

Reflect on what is meaningful to you

• Make plans for the things that are most important to you.
• Designate time each day to write down three to five things you are grateful for.
• Write down some of your favorite memories.
• Make a list of those who you want to connect with and set a time to do so.

Make a plan for potentially challenging situations

• Identify situations that may result in difficult emotions, and consider how you might respond in more helpful ways.
• Set boundaries and prioritize self-care activities like mindfulness and relaxation.
• Note to yourself that it is okay to say no to others’ requests and set boundaries around expectations without providing an explanation.

If you feel it would be helpful to discuss holiday pressures or the stresses of personal life, relationships, or work, support is available. If you work on an academic campus, reach out to the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) at 734-936-8660 or via email at [email protected]. If you work at Michigan Medicine, reach out to the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (OCWR) by calling 734-763-5409 or sending an email to [email protected]. The professional and licensed counselors are available to you and adult benefit-eligible family members at no charge to you.