The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. In reality, it can bring both moments of warmth and stress, pressure, or expectations; some external, some we place on ourselves. Perfect meals, thoughtful gifts, family traditions, social gatherings, and holiday cheer can feel overwhelming when we try to do it all. And in the midst of it, our mental health can easily take a backseat.

This year, one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself is permission to relax. Mental health over the holidays isn’t about doing more or trying to make everything perfect, it’s about noticing what feels important to you and letting go of what doesn’t. It’s about pausing, breathing, and giving yourself the space to just be.

There’s no rule that says you have to attend every gathering, host every dinner, or maintain every tradition. Letting go of some “shoulds” can be liberating. Perhaps it means sitting quietly with a warm drink and your favorite book. Maybe it’s taking a walk outside to notice the lights and the crisp winter air. Or simply allowing yourself to leave a party early, knowing that rest is more valuable than obligation.

Traditions are often tied to meaning, connection, and joy, but they don’t have to create pressure. You can honor them in ways that feel manageable and gentle. Maybe you adapt a family ritual to fit your current life, or perhaps you create a new one that brings you comfort. Slowing down, savoring the little moments, and letting go of perfection can turn even small rituals into meaningful experiences.

Sometimes, the holidays feel heavy. You may feel lonely, disconnected, or like all you can do is survive and get through each day. And that is okay. Simply making it through, taking it moment by moment, is enough. There’s no timeline for feeling joy, and no requirement that you must be cheerful or social to honor the season. Acknowledging these feelings without judgment is part of self-care too.

At the same time, it’s equally wonderful if the holidays feel light, joyful, or positive. Perhaps you’re enjoying meaningful connections, finding delight in small rituals, or feeling gratitude for the season’s comforts. 

The holidays are a reminder that connection matters—but so does self-compassion. Notice your feelings without judgment, acknowledge when things feel heavy, and savor when things feel good. Releasing the pressure to do everything perfectly doesn’t make the season any less special; it makes it more sustainable and nurturing for your mental health.

Ultimately, the holidays are an invitation to practice gentleness with yourself. Relaxing, taking pauses, letting go of expectations, and noticing the moments of joy are not signs of weakness, they are acts of care. By giving yourself permission to slow down, to rest, to simply survive if that’s where you are, and to enjoy the season when it feels positive, you create a holiday that honors both your wellbeing and the joy you hope to experience.

Being a nature based therapist, tying in some element of outdoors often is what feels supportive for many. Here are a few of our favorites-

Mindful Nature Walks

Focus on your senses: notice the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of pine, the feeling of the wind on your face.

Outdoor Breathing Exercises

Stand or sit outside and practice deep breathing while focusing on natural cues: inhale as you lift your arms to the sky, exhale as you lower them, or synchronize your breath with the rhythm of waves, birds, or wind.

Nature Journaling

Take a notebook outside and write or sketch what you notice: sounds, colors, textures, or even fleeting thoughts.

Movement and Play

Gentle stretching, yoga, or walk outdoors can regulate tension in the body.

Sensory Anchors

Pick one object in nature—a leaf, pinecone, or stone—and focus on it when feeling overwhelmed.

Sunlight and Fresh Air

Simply being outside in natural light and fresh air can help regulate circadian rhythms and boost energy and mood.

Wishing you all a warm, supportive, and cozy holiday season.