How to Prioritize Your Mental Health During the Holidays

1. Make Sleep a Priority (Especially During the Holidays)

We all know how important sleep is for kids, but it’s just as important for us adults. It’s easy to get tempted to stay up late for that much needed “me time,” and sometimes, that’s okay. But you have to ask yourself, is staying up late actually making you feel better the next day? Sure, it might help you relax in the moment, but it can be too much of a tax to pay if you’re running on empty the next day.

And with holiday schedules being unpredictable, sticking to a strict routine might not always work. But if your kids usually go to bed at 8 and you can get them to bed by 9:30 during the holidays, that’s still a win. Just remember—go to bed with intention instead of passing out from exhaustion wherever you’re sitting. Try to stick as close to your routine as possible, even if it’s not perfect.

For those nights when sleep isn’t coming as easily as it usually does, OLLY offers a range of sleep supplements for kids age 4+ and adults that might do the trick.

2. Set Boundaries with Family

Family can be great, but they can also test your limits in ways that no one else can. It’s easy to feel obligated to attend every event or engage in every conversation, sometimes the better thing to do is to step back. In this situation, you’re not required to participate in situations that drain you.

Instead of focusing on changing someone’s mind or viewpoint, spend that energy on the things that make you mentally safe. Sometimes, it’s about prioritizing what feels more peaceful.

3. Take Breaks from Social Media

Relax! I didn’t say to delete the app. It’s so easy to get sucked into scrolling through everyone else’s holiday highlights and start comparing your life to theirs. But let’s be real—social media is just a highlight reel designed to distract you.

If you’re finding it hard to put the phone down, try setting a timer or simply being mindful of how much time you’re spending on it. You don’t have to feel guilty for using social media, but it helps to be aware when it starts affecting how you feel about yourself and your holiday experience.

4. Find Pockets of Time for Self-Care

You may not get the hours of alone time you need during the holidays. In fact, you may find yourself asking, “How am I going to survive this?” It’s about finding those little pockets of time to recharge. Maybe that’s sneaking in a quiet cup of coffee before the house wakes up or taking a quick walk around the block to clear your head.

Think of it as refueling just enough to keep going. Nobody is able to run on a full tank all the time, but even a little can go a long way.

5. You Have Permission to Say No

You don’t have to say yes to everything. The holiday season can be full of invitations, events, and commitments, but you don’t need to do it all. Ask yourself: Do I really have the energy for this? Can I show up for this the way I want to?

If the answer is no, that’s okay. You’re allowed to protect your time and your energy. Think about how you can manage your commitments in a way that feels realistic, not overwhelming. It’s not about cutting everything out but being thoughtful about what you say yes to.