The holiday season is approaching quickly. Daylight is shorter and the weather is colder. Shopping lists are getting long and weekends are filling up. We’re celebrating the conclusion of a year and the beginning of another. It’s said to be the happiest time of the year, but for many, the celebration is often accompanied by stress, pressure, and feeling that we should be keeping up with everyone else’s expectations.
That pressure can make it tempting to lean on alcohol or other substances as a way to unwind or escape, especially when social calendars fill up and emotions run high. But substance use doesn’t actually reduce stress – it amplifies it. Instead of turning to substances to cope, this season is an opportunity to practice healthier forms of care that support both mental well-being and long-term resilience.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends the following coping strategies when the season starts to feel overwhelming:
Accept Imperfection. Drop the expectation that everything is going to go exactly as planned.
Don’t Lose Sight of What Really Counts. Enjoy the small moments with gratitude.
Be Kind. This includes being kind to yourself!
Find Time to Decompress. Taking time for yourself is never selfish.
Ask for and Accept Help. Whether it’s needing help with setting up before a gathering or finding mental health support, it’s okay to reach out to the people in your life for a little extra help this time of year.
It’s important to check in on yourself and utilize these coping strategies before the anxiety and overwhelm become overbearing. If you know a gathering may be centered around drinking, consider bringing a non-alcoholic option, setting a time limit for yourself, or inviting a supportive friend to join you.
Small intentional choices can help you feel good about the decisions you make at night and enable you to wake up rejuvenated in the morning. Set boundaries and take it slow. If you’re going to celebrate, celebrate smart, and make it a December that you’ll actually remember.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use issue or mental health concern, please call 988.
To learn more, go to RISEdrugfreemke.org.
