Self-Care Strategies to Make the Season Bright

Taking Care of Yourself during the Holidays 

A family celebrarting holiday around a table
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The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet for many people, they can also feel like a lot to handle. Between long to-do lists, financial pressure, and the rush to make everything “just right,” it’s easy to lose sight of your own well-being. The season that’s supposed to fill you up can sometimes leave you feeling worn down instead.

That’s why self-care and asking for help matter this time of year. Taking care of yourself isn’t about being selfish: it helps protect your energy, peace of mind, and ability to enjoy the moments that matter most. Whether that means taking a few quiet minutes to breathe, reaching out for support, or setting healthy boundaries, small steps can make a big difference in how you feel through the holidays.

Self-care is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Setting time aside to do something that gives you energy and peace is essential for maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health throughout the season.

Common stressors during the holiday season

A picture of a woman on a living room full of post it, feeling stress

The American Psychological Association reports almost half of Americans feel moderate stress levels between November to January. For those living with mental illness, 64 percent say their symptoms worsened during the holidays. 

While holiday blues are different from mental illness, short-term stress or sadness can still take a toll. Some of the leading causes of holiday stress include:

  • Worrying about money and how much to spend
  • Feeling lonely or missing people you care about
  • Setting goals that are too high or trying to do too much at once

Recognizing what causes your stress is an important first step toward managing it.

A graphic showing stressor elements

Maintaining Your Balance during the Holidays

With busy schedules, it’s easy to put your own needs last during the holidays. But caring for yourself doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or hours of downtime. Small, meaningful moments can go a long way toward keeping you grounded and emotionally well.

To help make the holidays as happy and stress-free as possible, try a few of these proactive ways to protect your mental health:

A photo of young people bicycling in a park with holiday decorations.

Make healthy choices or start healthier routines. 

Physical health can play a major role in your mental health, and vice versa. Take inventory of your health behaviors like nutrition, physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking. Make substitutions or break habits to boost not only your physical health, but your mental health as well.

a group of people working as volunteers in their community soup kitchen

Volunteer in your community. 

Volunteering can be a great source of purpose, connection, and happiness. You can tailor your service to your interests—whether that means helping at a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, or community park. Find volunteer opportunities at NC.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities.

a photo of hands writing in a journal

Journal and write down gratitude moments. 

Writing down a few things you’re thankful for, big or small, can shift focus away from stress and toward what’s going well. Consider ending your day by listing three positives or jotting down small wins.

A photo of young people bicycling in a park with holiday decorations.

Make healthy choices or start healthier routines. 

Physical health can play a major role in your mental health, and vice versa. Take inventory of your health behaviors like nutrition, physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking. Make substitutions or break habits to boost not only your physical health, but your mental health as well.

a group of people working as volunteers in their community soup kitchen

Volunteer in your community. 

Volunteering can be a great source of purpose, connection, and happiness. You can tailor your service to your interests—whether that means helping at a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, or community park. Find volunteer opportunities at NC.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities.

There’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care. Find the activity that works for you. Whether it’s being active, creative, social connection, or something simple, there’s no shortage of outlets to reset and recharge. Check out this list of 50 self-care activities for inspiration.

Feeling overwhelmed?

You’re not alone, and help is available. Take a few minutes to check in with yourself using Trillium’s free, confidential mental health screening tool. You’ll receive quick insights and learn about local resources that can help you feel more balanced and supported.

Anonymous Mental Screening

Recognizing seasonal mood changes 

As the days get shorter and colder, some people experience changes in mood that go beyond the typical “winter blues.” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that impacts people when the seasons change. Some individuals experience significant mood changes. The change is often due to the transition to winter, where the days get shorter with less sunlight. Someone experiencing symptoms of SAD may feel:

  • Feeling sad, anxious, or "empty"
  • Feeling hopeless, guilty, worthless, or like you can't do anything
  • Feeling tired all the time and having no energy
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Wanting to be alone or feeling like you just want to "hibernate"

7 things to know about treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

More Resources & Information for Self-Care

  • My Learning Campus: This online platform shares free, online trainings and tip sheets for everyone. Courses are available for Financial Planning, Taking Control of Your Health and Wellness, Managing Stress, and additional topics for good health.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
  • NC Peer Warmline: The NC Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS-NC) is a free, private, 24/7 phone line to talk with someone who understands, about anything, and is confidential.
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Dial 988 then press 1.

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