CBH Medical

12/15/2025

To manage stress during the holidays, focus on self-care, set realistic expectations, practice gratitude, and establish boundaries.

Key Strategies for Managing Holiday Stress:

Practice Gratitude: Taking time to reflect on what you are grateful for can significantly enhance your mood and reduce stress. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or sharing your thoughts with loved ones to foster a positive mindset.

Set Realistic Expectations: The holiday season often comes with high expectations, which can lead to disappointment and stress. Focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones, and be willing to let go of less important tasks or traditions.

Establish Boundaries: It’s essential to communicate your limits with family and friends. Setting boundaries can help manage expectations and reduce feelings of overwhelm. For instance, if you feel pressured to attend multiple gatherings, consider prioritizing the ones that matter most to you.

Self-Care Practices: Prioritize your well-being by incorporating self-care into your routine. This could include activities like taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or simply saying no to additional commitments that may drain your energy.

Anticipate Stressful Situations: Prepare for potential stressors by creating a plan. Visualizing how you will handle challenging situations can help you feel more in control and less anxious when they arise.

Focus on What’s Important: Identify the key elements of your holiday celebrations and concentrate on those. This might mean prioritizing quality time with family over having a perfectly decorated home or a flawless meal.

Stay Flexible: The holiday season can be unpredictable. Being adaptable to changes in plans or expectations can help you maintain a positive outlook and reduce stress.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and enjoyment, allowing you to focus on the joy and connection that the holidays can bring.

12/15/2025

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a69635559/how-to-manage-holiday-stress/

Here's how to deal with family, get tasks done, and make time for yourself.

12/02/2025

Happy Giving Tuesday! Today, let's spread joy and kindness by giving back to our communities and those in need. Whether it’s a donation, time, or kind words—every bit counts! Together, we can make a difference!

11/30/2025

https://deconstructingstigma.org/guides/holidays

The holidays can be joyful—and overwhelming. This guide offers practical tips to protect your mental health, set boundaries, and find calm in the chaos.

11/29/2025

Holiday stress is common and can worsen mental health due to factors like financial pressure, family dynamics, and loneliness. It can manifest as irritability, anxiety, or sadness, but taking steps like setting a budget, maintaining a routine, and seeking support can help manage these feelings. If feelings of stress and sadness are overwhelming, it is important to seek professional help.

Causes of holiday stress
Financial strain: The cost of gifts, travel, and gatherings can be a major source of stress.
High expectations: Unrealistic expectations for what the holidays "should" be can lead to disappointment and pressure.
Family dynamics: Tensions, conflicts, and challenging relationships are often amplified during the holidays.
Loneliness and grief: The holidays can heighten feelings of loneliness, especially for those who have lost a loved one or are far from family.
Logistical challenges: A packed schedule of events and travel can feel overwhelming.
Societal pressures: Trends like overspending, overdoing, and overeating can contribute to feelings of stress.
Signs of holiday stress
Feeling overwhelmed or easily frustrated
Increased anxiety about social events
Difficulty enjoying traditional holiday activities
Sadness, tension, or loneliness
Low energy or difficulty concentrating
Strategies for coping
Set realistic expectations and boundaries: Plan ahead to avoid overcommitment and politely say "no" to things that cause stress.
Manage finances: Create and stick to a budget to reduce financial pressure.
Maintain healthy habits: Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity.
Stay connected: Make time for loved ones and consider connecting with a community group to combat loneliness.
Take breaks: Schedule time for yourself to rest and decompress, even if it's just 15 minutes.
Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities that help you feel present, such as deep breathing or listening to music.
Limit social media: Be mindful of how social media affects you and adjust your usage as needed.
Seek professional help: If you are struggling to cope, don't hesitate to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for support.

11/28/2025

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/seasons-healings

This time of year, nature&rsquo.

11/27/2025

🦃🍂 Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Today, let's celebrate laughter & gratitude with family and friends. May your tables be filled with delicious feasts, warm memories & cherished moments. Remember to reflect on the blessings in our lives! Cheers to togetherness & giving thanks! ❤️🥧

11/26/2025

https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/24/health/how-to-relieve-stress-holiday-wellness

Thanksgiving can be joyful but physically demanding — long hours sitting, cooking and eating. Easy mind-body strategies can keep you energized, comfortable and calm.

11/26/2025

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/thanksgiving

Use NFPA’s Thanksgiving safety tips to keep your family safe and help prevent cooking fires.

11/23/2025

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/to***co/health-risks-of-smoking-to***co.html

Smoking does more than just cause cancer. It can also damage nearly every organ in your body. Learn more about the health effects of smoking to***co.

11/22/2025

To handle holiday stress, set realistic expectations, budget for expenses, and prioritize your time by saying "no" to over-scheduling. Maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising, and take breaks to decompress with activities like deep breathing or mindfulness. Additionally, focus on gratitude and the meaning of the holidays, delegate tasks, and manage gift-giving and social media use.

Plan and prioritize
Set a budget: Avoid overspending by creating a budget for gifts, decorations, and other expenses.
Say "no": It is okay to decline invitations or requests to avoid over-scheduling.
Delegate tasks: Share responsibilities with family or friends for things like cooking or cleaning.
Plan ahead: Create a to-do list or schedule for the season and prepare for potential stress triggers, such as holiday travel.
Maintain healthy habits
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to maintain your energy levels and well-being.
Eat and drink mindfully: Have a healthy snack before parties to avoid overindulging. Stay hydrated and limit excessive alcohol.
Stay active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, as exercise can help reduce tension and anxiety.
Take breaks: Step away from overwhelming situations to rest and recharge, whether that means taking a nap, going for a short walk, or listening to music.
Manage expectations and mindset
Be present: Focus on enjoying the moments rather than striving for a "perfect" holiday.
Practice gratitude: Take time to reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
Acknowledge emotions: It's okay to feel sad or lonely, especially if you are grieving. Share your feelings with supportive friends or family.
Limit social media: Be mindful of how social media affects you and adjust your time online as needed.

11/21/2025

To handle holiday depression, focus on self-care by maintaining a routine, eating well, and getting enough sleep; limit stressors by setting realistic expectations and saying "no" to some obligations; and engage in mood-boosting activities like exercise, spending time in nature, and connecting with loved ones. If your feelings of sadness are persistent or severe, it is important to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist.

Self-care and routine
Prioritize sleep and healthy eating: Get plenty of rest and eat balanced meals to help improve your mood. Avoid excessive alcohol.
Maintain a routine: Stick to your normal daily activities as much as possible, including your exercise routine.
Get sunlight and fresh air: Spend time outdoors to get exposure to sunlight, which can help regulate mood.
Manage expectations and stress
Be realistic: Don't put pressure on yourself or build up unrealistic expectations for the holidays.
It's okay to say no: It's fine to decline some invitations or obligations to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Limit financial stress: Focus on the spirit of the season rather than spending money. Ask for help with chores like shopping and meal prep.
Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to not be happy all the time. Allow yourself to feel sad or lonely without guilt.
Boost your mood
Stay connected: Spend time with friends and family, even if it's just a phone call or sitting with someone.
Engage in enjoyable activities: Make time for hobbies and things you genuinely enjoy, not just things you feel obligated to do.
Help others: Volunteering or doing something kind for someone less fortunate can help shift your focus and make you feel better.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can be helpful tools to manage stress and stay present.
Know when to seek professional help
Talk to someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or support group.
See a professional: If your symptoms don't improve or you are struggling, consult a doctor or mental health professional. They can discuss options like therapy or medication.
If you are in crisis: If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.