Coping with Holiday Stress: Why Boundaries, Rest, and Routines Matter This Season
- apeak1
- Nov 25
- 2 min read
The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, pressure, and exhaustion. From packed schedules to different expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs.
At Allied Behavioral Health Solutions (ABHS), we believe caring for your mental health matters all year long, but especially during the holidays. This season, we’re highlighting three simple but powerful practices that can help keep you grounded: boundaries, rest, and routines.
1. Boundaries Are a Gift (To Yourself)
Between extended family obligations, school events, work parties, and financial pressures, it’s easy to get swept up in saying “yes” to everything.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do it all. Setting boundaries helps protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being.
Say no to what doesn’t serve your family or your values.
Limit time with people or situations that leave you drained.
Communicate clearly and kindly with loved ones about your needs.
Boundaries aren't selfish — they’re a form of self-respect.
2. Don’t Forget to Rest
When things get busy, rest is often the first thing we skip. But without it, our bodies and brains struggle to regulate mood, focus, and stress.
Rest doesn’t have to mean sleeping all day (although naps are great!). It might look like:
A short walk without your phone
A warm bath or shower
Watching a favorite holiday movie without multitasking
Going to bed 30 minutes earlier
Even five minutes of intentional rest can help reset your nervous system.
3. Keep Routines When You Can
Structure gives our days a sense of predictability — which is calming, especially for kids. While some routines naturally shift during the holidays, try to keep key parts of your daily rhythm in place.
Regular mealtimes and bedtimes
Morning or evening rituals (like reading together or quiet time)
Breaks between events to breathe and reset
Routines offer stability in the swirl of seasonal change.
How ABHS Helps Families Stay Grounded
Mental health doesn’t take a holiday — and neither do we. At ABHS, we offer therapy, medication management, and specialized services for children, teens, adults, and families across Tennessee.
Whether you're navigating grief, managing anxiety, or just trying to stay regulated through the rush, we’re here to help. With in-person and telehealth options, we make it easier to get the support you need, wherever you are.
Final Thoughts
The holidays can be both beautiful and stressful. Give yourself permission to step back, slow down, and care for your well-being.
And if you need help finding your footing, ABHS is just a phone call away.
Call 615.292.3661 or visit www.alliedbehavior.com to request an appointment today.
Clinical review by: Alison Peak, LCSW
