10 Ways to Stay Mentally Strong During the Holidays

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The Verywell Mind Podcast's “Friday Fix” is a short episode that features a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern.

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Friday Fix: Episode 222

It’s called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, the holidays aren’t joy-filled. In fact, this time of year can be extra tough in many ways.

The holidays can amplify existing issues, like loneliness. They create a lot of stress, including financial strain, for many people. Sprinkle in some family tension, grief, and end-of-the-year deadlines, and it’s a recipe for higher rates of distress.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to stay mentally strong throughout the holidays.

Remember that staying strong doesn’t mean pasting on a smile and ignoring your distress. It means taking care of your feelings, setting healthy boundaries, and reframing those unhelpful thoughts. 

You might find a balance this year between reducing your problems and reducing your distress. That may mean a combination of attending fewer events, setting helpful boundaries, and reaching for healthy coping skills.

On this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I share the biggest concerns our listeners have about the holidays this year and the top 10 things you can do to stay mentally strong this holiday season.

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Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Thank you.

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By Amy Morin, LCSW
Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.