Holiday De-Stress: Tips for a Mentally Healthy Holidays

By Aryanna Gibbs

While the holiday season is considered the most joyous time of the year, the holidays can also cause stress. So here are a few tips on how to manage your stress and overall mental health this winter break.

1. Be mindful of your screen time

It’s understandable that during this winter break, you may spend more time than usual in front of a screen. Remember to take breaks from time to time. Stretch your legs, drink some water, and, if you can, try to spend time with your friends and/or family. 

2. Get enough sleep

Winter break is the perfect time to catch up on lost sleep. However, the simplicity of sleeping can tend to be overlooked. So, make sure this winter break you try your best to get a full 8 hours of rest every night and keep yourself aligned with your sleep schedule. 

3. Embrace your hobbies

Winter break is the perfect time to engage in and embrace a forgotten hobby, one that has been buried under the stresses of everyday life, or even try picking up a new one. There are a variety of stress-relieving hobbies such as: journaling, painting, meditating, and photography. 

4. Don’t overbook yourself

With the holidays being a time when loved ones come together, it’s easy for your schedule to fill up. Make sure not to over-book yourself, it will only add to your holiday stress. Don’t be afraid to say no when necessary, and try to give yourself enough time between events. 

5. Take time for yourself

During the holidays it’s easy to get caught up with everything around you, that you forget to take care of yourself. Be sure to set aside time for yourself, whether that be a mental break, engaging in a hobby, or something else that helps you de-stress. 

6. Reach out

While some stress is normal this time of year, it can still be overwhelming. If you are feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, or blue this holiday season, reach out to someone you trust for help. If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call 988 to be connected with a crisis counselor. 


And always, here at The Blackshirt we wanted to wish you a de-stressful winter break and as always Happy Holidays!