Strengthening Our Mental Health During the Holiday Season
A Season of Joy… and Real Emotions
The holiday season often brings beautiful moments—but it can also stir up stress, pressure, and emotions we don’t always talk about. As I continue my Becoming A Better Me journey, I’ve learned that honoring my mental health isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. Every year, I remind myself that the season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It just needs to be honest, intentional, and aligned with where I am emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Here are the three practices I personally lean into, especially during this time of year, and I hope they support you too.
1. Protect Your Peace With Graceful Boundaries
“Peace is not something you find—it’s something you protect.”
For years, I pushed myself to attend every event, meet every expectation, and fill every role. But Becoming A Better Me taught me this:
1) MY peace must be MY priority
2) Peace is attainable for us all and not a luxury only afforded to a select few.
During the holidays, I practice:
Saying “no, thank you” without guilt
Limiting draining conversations
Setting financial boundaries
Taking intentional breaks from noise, crowds, and clutter.
Boundaries don’t distance you from love—they make space for healthier, more authentic connections.
2. Stay Grounded Through Intentional Self-Care
“Self-care is not a break from life; it’s how I stay present for life.”
The holidays can feel like a whirlwind. When everything around me speeds up, I’m learning to slow my spirit down.
Some of my favorite grounding practices include:
Starting the morning with quiet reflection or prayer
Taking 10-minute breathing pauses when emotions rise
Journaling what I’m grateful for and what I’m growing through
Listening to inspirational music
An activity that offers space to my creative self
Scheduling a therapy session or mental health check-in
Even five minutes of intentional care can shift an entire day.
3. Create Moments of Joy That Feel True to You
“Joy is personal, and I have permission to choose mine.”
I used to compare my holidays to what I saw online—decorations, gatherings, gifts, traditions. But Becoming A Better Me means creating joy authentically, not artificially.
Your joy might be:
A small gathering instead of a big one
A new tradition you’re starting this year
A quiet evening at home with music and soft lights
Serving others or volunteering
Keeping things simple instead of being busy
Joy isn’t about performance. It’s about alignment.
Closing Reflections
This season, I’m choosing peace. I’m choosing authenticity. I’m choosing joy that doesn’t need validation.
I’m choosing to honor who I’m becoming—one mindful moment at a time.
My hope is that you give yourself the same grace. You deserve to feel grounded, safe, loved, and supported—not just during the holidays, but always.