5 Simple Self-Care Practices to Support Your Mental Health During the Holidays
Written by Sheilah Ledesma
For many people, the holiday season is a mix of warmth, excitement, pressure, and emotional overload. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting clients in Fort Lauderdale, one of the most common questions I hear this time of year is: “What can I do to take care of myself when everything gets so busy?”
The truth is, you don’t need elaborate routines or perfect habits. What helps most are small, consistent habits that ground your nervous system, ease emotional distress, and help you move through the holidays feeling more supported from within.
Below are some simple, realistic practices you can start using today.
1. Create a Morning Ritual That Centers You
Before emails, family updates, or holiday tasks pull you in 10 directions, give yourself 5–10 minutes to land.
This could look like:
A quiet cup of coffee without your phone
Gentle stretching
A short meditation
Stepping outside to feel the humidity or ocean breeze
Think of this ritual as giving your body and mind a moment to “catch up” before the day asks anything of you. Even a few minutes daily can shift your entire mood.
2. Set Emotional Boundaries for Holiday Events
End-of-year gatherings can be beautiful—and draining. Instead of pushing through discomfort, try choosing one or two internal boundaries such as:
“I will leave when my body feels tired, not when the night ends.”
“I don’t have to engage in conversations that feel heavy or judgmental”
“It’s okay to say no to invitations that add stress.”
Boundaries don’t distance you from people—they protect your energy and peace so you can show up with more authenticity and presence.
3. Build in Moments of Rest (Even If They’re Small)
Here are a few examples:
Lying down for 10 minutes between tasks
Stepping outside during an event to breathe
Taking a break from holiday shopping to simply be still
Scheduling a “quiet night in” each week
Your nervous system benefits from rest in small, steady pulses.
4. Check In With Your Feelings Weekly
Holiday expectations often push people into “performance mode.” A quick weekly emotional check-in helps you stay honest about what you actually need.
You can ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now—emotionally and physically?
What feels overwhelming?
What has brought me comfort or joy this week?
What do I need more (or less) of?
These check-ins help you catch emotional fatigue early, before it spirals into burnout or depression.
5. Plan One Act of Self-Nourishment Each Week
Think of something that feels nurturing to you—not what you should do, but what replenishes you mentally, physically or emotionally.
This might be:
A beach walk at sunrise
A quiet lunch alone
A therapy session focused on coping with burnout or depression
Time with someone who feels grounding
A massage or spa visit
Journaling at the beginning or end of the week
Small, intentional rituals help you reconnect with yourself when life feels heavy or fast.
Your Next Step: You Don’t Have to Do the Holidays Alone
If you’re noticing any symptoms of emotional fatigue, dread, or a heavy mood creeping in as the holidays approach, therapy can absolutely help you feel more supported and grounded. Our practice offer a compassionate space to understand what’s weighing on you and build tools that help you move through the season with more steadiness and ease.
You deserve support—not just during the holidays, but year-round. Reach out to us to get started!
Call 754 308 5525 today!
