Mental Health
The festive season is a time to relax and unwind, but it can also bring stress, loneliness, and financial pressure.
A Mediclinic expert shares practical ways to protect your mental wellbeing during this time.
The holidays are traditionally associated with relaxation and fun times with family and friends, yet emotional distress tends to increase during this time of year. “Common challenges include stress, loneliness, grief, financial strain, and emotional and physical exhaustion,” says Alexis Haupt-Pullen, a psychologist at Mediclinic Durbanville.
Part of the reason, she explains, is the weight of expectation. “The pressure to feel happy and connected can make you feel inadequate or isolated. If you’re dealing with loss, strained relationships, or mental health challenges, the gap between your reality and the idealised festive image can be especially painful.”
1. Take the pressure off yourself
Self-care during the festive season is about pacing yourself, in other words, knowing when to engage and when to step back. Haupt-Pullen recommends setting realistic expectations, letting go of perfectionism, and carving out time for quiet moments. “Downtime isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” she says. “Remember that saying ‘no’ or prioritising rest is not selfish; it’s a form of self-preservation.”
Even small things, like a calm morning coffee or a few minutes of deep breathing, can help you stay grounded amid all the social and emotional demands.
2. Maintain a healthy routine
The festive period will often disrupt your normal rhythms, which makes structure more important than ever. “Maintaining routines offers psychological stability and predictability,” says Haupt-Pullen.
Regular sleep, nutritious meals, and physical activity support mood regulation and keep your stress levels manageable. Establishing clear boundaries around your time, finances, and energy can reduce the risk of burnout, as can limiting comparison – especially on social media, where festive perfection is often filtered. Mindfulness practices like journaling or grounding exercises can help you stay present when demands feel overwhelming.
3. Acknowledge pain, find connection
The holidays can amplify any sense of loss. Empty chairs and familiar traditions may intensify grief. “Grief often becomes stronger during the festive season because absence and memory are magnified,” says Haupt-Pullen.
But it’s important not to avoid pain. “Acknowledging the loss, lighting a candle, and sharing stories can honour the person’s memory,” she suggests. Finding connections through loved ones, a support group, seeing a healthcare professional or reaching out to a mental health line can also provide comfort.
4. Recognise burnout symptoms and seek help
Emotional numbness, irritability, withdrawal, and persistent exhaustion are early warning signs of mental fatigue. “When these signs persist for several weeks or begin to impair your daily functioning, it’s best to seek professional help,” says Haupt-Pullen. Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist early can help stop problems from getting worse and support your recovery.