Honoring Mental Health & Well-Being During the Holiday Season
The holidays often bring connection, meaning, and celebration — but they can also bring pressure, fatigue, and emotional overload. For community behavioral health providers, this season can feel especially demanding as you hold space for others during emotionally complex times. A healthier holiday rhythm isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing what truly restores you. A Healthier Holiday Rhythm Instead of thinking about “self-care,” focus on practices that refill your capacity: Choose Connection, Not Obligation You’re allowed to simplify plans, skip events, or choose what genuinely supports you. Honor Your Pace Rest is not indulgent — it’s a stabilizing practice that helps you show up with clarity and compassion.
Create “Quiet Joy” Moments Sip something warm, stretch for two minutes, step outside, pause in silence, or listen to a favorite song. Small resets are powerful. Reduce Pressure (from others and yourself) You don’t have to host, post, or perform. Permission to do less is also permission to breathe. Reflective Holiday Questions Use these personally or with clients and teams: • What brings you peace during this time of year? • What is one thing you can say “no” to? • Which moments feel meaningful — not performative? • What could you let go of to make room for something nourishing? A Note for Community Behavioral Health Providers You give emotional labor, compassion, advocacy, and presence all year long. This season, consider one question: How can I offer myself the same understanding I offer others? You don’t need a perfect plan — just permission to restore. Learn More & Get Started: https://www.necco.org/make-a-referral-for-counseling