Keeping Mental Health in Check During High-Stress Holidays: Evidence-Based Coping Skills

  

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet, research consistently shows that it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 38% of people report increased stress during the holidays, citing finances, family dynamics, and time pressures as major contributors (APA, 2015). For individuals already managing anxiety, depression, or trauma, this season can be particularly challenging.   

Why Holidays Trigger Stress

• Financial strain: Gift-giving, travel, and hosting can create financial burdens.
• Family dynamics: Conflicts or unresolved tensions often resurface during gatherings.
• Time pressure: Balancing work, social events, and personal obligations can feel overwhelming.
• Social expectations: The cultural pressure to feel joyful can intensify feelings of loneliness or inadequacy.

Evidence-Based Coping Skills

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Even short daily practices, such as focusing on the breath or engaging in mindful eating, can lower cortisol levels and enhance resilience (NIH, 2024). 

2. Cognitive Reframing

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, such as challenging negative thoughts and reframing expectations, are effective in reducing holiday-related depression and anxiety. For example, shifting from “I must make everything perfect” to “I will focus on meaningful moments” can reduce pressure and increase satisfaction  

3. Maintaining Healthy Routines

Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity are foundational to mental health. Research highlights that adequate sleep and regular exercise improve mood stability and reduce stress reactivity (Wartski, 2025).

4. Boundary Setting

Learning to say “no” to excessive commitments protects mental energy. Boundaries around time, spending, and emotional labor are critical for maintaining balance during the holidays   

5. Connection and Support

While loneliness can peak during the holidays, intentional connection, whether through volunteering, reaching out to friends, or joining community events, has been shown to buffer against depression and foster belonging (Davenport, 2025).

Practical Tips for Daily Use

• Schedule downtime: Block off time for rest and recovery.
• Practice gratitude: Journaling three things you’re grateful for daily can improve mood.
• Limit alcohol: Excessive drinking can worsen anxiety and depression.
• Engage senses: Aromatherapy, music, or time in nature can soothe the nervous system.
• Seek professional support: Therapy or counseling can provide structured coping strategies.

Final Thoughts

The holidays can be both joyful and stressful. By integrating evidence-based coping skills: mindfulness, reframing, routines, boundaries, and connection, you can safeguard your mental health and create space for genuine joy. Remember, resilience is not about perfection but about practicing small, consistent habits that protect your well-being.

 

References 

American Psychological Association. (2015). Stress in America: Paying with our health. APA.

Davenport, C. R. (2025, November 21). Combat holiday depression: Evidence-based strategies that work. Davenport Psychology. https://davenportpsychology.com/2025/11/21/combat-holiday-depression-evidence-based-strategies-that-work/

National Institutes of Health. (2024). Holiday resilience guide. NIH Employee Assistance Program. https://wellnessatnih.ors.od.nih.gov/Documents/holiday-resilience-guide.pdf

Wartski, S. (2025, November 28). Hanging on during the holidays: 8 tips for coping. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-metaphors/202511/hanging-on-during-the-holidays-8-tips-for-coping

UC Davis. (2024, December 16). Coping during the holidays: Story tip sheet. UC Davis News. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-story-tip-sheet-coping-during-holidays

Mood-Boosting Colors That Heal: A Guide for Women’s Mental Health

Color is therapeutic, not just aesthetic. Research in environmental psychology and neuroscience confirms that color can influence mood, stress levels, and emotional resilience (Kaya & Epps, 2004; Elliot & Maier, 2014). For women navigating caregiving, career demands, and emotional overwhelm, intentional color choices offer subtle yet powerful support.

Below is a curated palette of mood-enhancing hues, backed by science.

🌊 1. Serene Blues – Calm, Clarity, and Emotional Regulation

• Blue tones activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety (Küller et al., 2009).
• Ideal for: overstimulation, racing thoughts, and sleep support.
• Use in: bedrooms, meditation spaces, digital backgrounds, cozy loungewear.

🌿 2. Restorative Greens – Balance, Renewal, and Hope

• Green mimics natural environments, which are proven to lower cortisol and improve mood (Ulrich, 1984).
• Ideal for: burnout, decision fatigue, emotional depletion.
• Use in: journals, kitchen accents, leafy plants, calming infographics.

☀️ 3. Sunny Yellows – Joy, Energy, and Optimism

• Yellow stimulates serotonin and is associated with increased happiness and alertness (Wright, 1998).
• Ideal for: low mood, seasonal affective disorder, motivation slumps.
• Use in: morning routines, planners, wardrobe pops, affirmations.

❤️ 4. Empowering Reds – Confidence, Vitality, and Motivation

• Red enhances physical energy and assertiveness, though it may increase arousal (Elliot & Maier, 2012).
• Ideal for: fatigue, self-doubt, lack of drive.
• Use in: workout gear, lipstick, branding, bold headers.

🧡 5. Comforting Oranges – Warmth, Creativity, and Social Connection

• Orange blends the stimulation of red with the cheer of yellow, promoting emotional warmth and sociability (Kaya & Epps, 2004).
• Ideal for: loneliness, creative blocks, social anxiety.
• Use in: kitchen decor, group spaces, content thumbnails.

💜 6. Soothing Purples – Reflection, Spirituality, and Emotional Depth

• Purple supports introspection and emotional processing, often linked to creativity and spiritual awareness (Wright, 1998).
• Ideal for: grief, transitions, identity work.
• Use in: journaling spaces, spiritual rituals, nighttime lighting.

🤍 7. Clean Whites – Simplicity, Fresh Starts, and Mental Clarity

• White reduces visual clutter and supports cognitive reset, especially in minimalist environments (Küller et al., 2009).
• Ideal for: overwhelm, decision fatigue, mental fog.
• Use in: decluttering projects, minimalist design, printable worksheets.

✨ Practical Tips for Women Under Stress

• Batch your color choices: calming tones for mornings, energizing hues for work hours.
• Layer with texture: soft fabrics in soothing colors amplify emotional effects.
• Honor your cycles: shift palettes with emotional seasons, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Color is a gentle but potent tool for emotional regulation. Whether designing a healing space, creating content, or choosing your outfit, let color be your co-therapist.

References 

• Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2012). Color-in-context theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 45, 61–125.
• Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2014). Color psychology: Effects of perceiving color on psychological functioning in humans. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 95–120.
• Kaya, N., & Epps, H. H. (2004). Relationship between color and emotion: A study of college students. College Student Journal, 38(3), 396–405.
• Küller, R., Ballal, S., Laike, T., Mikellides, B., & Tonello, G. (2009). The impact of light and color on psychological mood: A cross-cultural study of indoor work environments. Ergonomics, 52(2), 217–233.
• Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.
• Wright, A. (1998). The beginner’s guide to color psychology. Colour Affects.

 

Building Self-Esteem and Moving Through Shyness in Young Adulthood: A Practical, Evidence-Based Guide

 Young adulthood is a time of identity formation, social comparison, and increased vulnerability to self-doubt. Shyness and low self-esteem often co-occur during this phase, especially in high-stakes environments like college, early career settings, or new relationships. But these traits are not fixed. With consistent, research-backed strategies, young adults can build authentic confidence without forcing extroversion or masking their true selves.

Below is a practical guide for you to utilize.

 1. Strength-Based Reflection (Not Generic Affirmations)

Generic affirmations like “I am enough” often fail to resonate because they lack specificity and emotional salience. Instead, strength-based reflection helps young adults internalize real evidence of their capabilities.

• Write down three moments when you demonstrated resilience, creativity, or kindness.
• Reflect on what those moments say about your character and values.
• This activates the brain’s reward system and supports identity coherence (Neff & Germer, 2013).

🧪 Research Insight: Strength-based journaling improves self-esteem and reduces depressive symptoms by reinforcing positive self-concept (Seligman et al., 2005).

 

2. Micro-Exposure to Social Discomfort

Avoidance maintains shyness. Exposure therapy: used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps retrain the brain’s threat response to social situations.

• Start with low-stakes interactions: ask a cashier a question, join a small group chat.
• Track your anxiety before and after. Most people overestimate how awkward they’ll feel (Clark & Wells, 1995).

🧪 Research Insight: Graduated exposure reduces social anxiety and improves self-efficacy over time (Rodebaugh et al., 2004).

 

3. Thought Records for Cognitive Reframing

Young adults often internalize harsh self-judgments. CBT tools like thought records help challenge these distortions.

• Write down a triggering thought (e.g., “I’m boring”).
• Identify evidence for and against it.
• Replace it with a balanced alternative (e.g., “I’m quiet, but I ask thoughtful questions”).

🧪 Research Insight: Thought records are a core CBT technique shown to reduce negative self-talk and improve mood (Beck, 2011).

 

4. Track Effort, Not Just Outcomes

Self-esteem improves when you recognize what you control: your effort, not external validation.

• Keep a weekly log of actions you took toward personal goals, regardless of results.
• Celebrate consistency and courage, not perfection.

🧪 Research Insight: Focusing on effort supports a growth mindset and reduces fear of failure (Dweck, 2006).

 

5. Use “If-Then” Planning for Social Confidence

Pre-planning responses to feared situations increases follow-through and reduces anxiety.

• Example: “If I feel awkward at the party, then I’ll take a breath and ask someone about their weekend.”

🧪 Research Insight: Implementation intentions improve goal attainment and reduce avoidance behaviors (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006).

 

🧘 6. Build Self-Compassion Through Guided Exercises

Self-compassion isn’t indulgent - it’s protective. It buffers against shame and social comparison.

• Try short meditations or journaling prompts like “What would I say to a friend in this situation?”
• Use apps or audio guides designed for young adults.

🧪 Research Insight: Self-compassion is strongly correlated with higher self-esteem and lower social anxiety (Neff, 2003; Werner et al., 2012).

🧩 7. Set Identity-Based Goals

Instead of “I want to be less shy,” try “I want to be someone who connects with others.”

• Choose goals that reflect your values, not just outcomes.
• This shifts focus from performance to personal growth.

🧪 Research Insight: Identity-based goals foster intrinsic motivation and long-term behavior change (Oyserman et al., 2006).

 

Final Thought

You don’t need to become loud or extroverted to feel confident. Self-esteem grows when you see yourself clearly, act with intention, and treat discomfort as a teacher, not a threat. These tools are NOT quick fixes, but they’re powerful when practiced consistently.

 

References 

• Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Clark, D. M., & Wells, A. (1995). A cognitive model of social phobia. In R. G. Heimberg et al. (Eds.), Social phobia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment (pp. 69–93). Guilford Press.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
• Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta‐analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69–119.
• Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101.
• Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self‐compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28–44.
• Oyserman, D., Bybee, D., & Terry, K. (2006). Possible selves and academic outcomes: How and when possible selves impel action. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91(1), 188–204.
• Rodebaugh, T. L., Holaway, R. M., & Heimberg, R. G. (2004). The treatment of social anxiety disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 24(7), 883–908.
• Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.
• Werner, K. H., Goldin, P. R., Ball, T. M., Heimberg, R. G., & Gross, J. J. (2012). Self-compassion and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 25(2), 193–210.

Why “Getting Out of Your Head” Works

Anxiety thrives on mental overactivity: ruminating on past regrets, future fears, and imagined catastrophes. This internal focus activates the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is associated with self-referential thinking and emotional distress (Raichle, 2015). To interrupt this loop, science shows that shifting attention outward or into the body can deactivate the DMN and engage sensory, motor, and executive networks - calming the nervous system and restoring clarity (Farb et al., 2007).

10 Science-Backed Ways to Get Out of Your Head

1. Name What You Notice

Labeling emotions activates the prefrontal cortex and dampens the amygdala’s reactivity, a process known as affect labeling (Lieberman et al., 2007).

Try this: “I notice I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m thinking about failing.”

2. Move Your Body

Aerobic exercise increases GABA, a calming neurotransmitter, and reduces anxiety symptoms (Ströhle, 2009). Even 10 minutes of walking can shift your mental state.

3. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

This sensory-based method anchors you in the present and reduces anxious rumination (Bourne, 2015).

• 5 things you see
• 4 things you feel
• 3 things you hear
• 2 things you smell
• 1 thing you taste

4. Engage in Creative Flow

Creative activities activate the task-positive network and release dopamine, reducing self-focused rumination (Dietrich, 2004).

5. Practice Mindful Observation

Mindfulness meditation reduces anxiety by increasing cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation (Hölzel et al., 2011).

6. Talk to Someone

Social connection boosts oxytocin and lowers cortisol, buffering stress and anxiety (Heinrichs et al., 2003).

7. Do a Task That Requires Focus

Focused tasks engage executive function and redirect attention from abstract worries to concrete action (McEwen & Gianaros, 2011).

8. Cold Exposure or Breathwork

Cold water on the face activates the parasympathetic nervous system via the mammalian dive reflex, calming the fight-or-flight response (Porges, 2007). Breathwork also regulates vagal tone and reduces anxiety (Zaccaro et al., 2018).

9. Change Your Environment

Nature exposure lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol, and improves mood (Ulrich et al., 1991; Bratman et al., 2015).

10. Use a Mantra or Affirmation

Repeating a grounding phrase engages cognitive control and reduces limbic system activation (Critchley et al., 2003).

 

Benefits of Getting Out of Your Head

• Reduces cortisol and adrenaline levels
• Improves emotional regulation and resilience
• Enhances focus and decision-making
• Promotes neuroplasticity and adaptive coping
• Strengthens social and sensory integration

 

Getting out of your head is definitely NOT about ignoring your thoughts - it’s about interrupting unhelpful loops and re-engaging with life. These strategies are especially powerful when practiced consistently and tailored to your energy level and personality.

 

References 

• Bourne, E. J. (2015). The anxiety and phobia workbook (6th ed.). New Harbinger Publications.
• Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567–8572. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1510459112
• Critchley, H. D., Wiens, S., Rotshtein, P., Öhman, A., & Dolan, R. J. (2003). Neural systems supporting interoceptive awareness. Nature Neuroscience, 7(2), 189–195. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1176
• Dietrich, A. (2004). Neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the experience of flow. Consciousness and Cognition, 13(4), 746–761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2004.07.002
• Farb, N. A. S., Segal, Z. V., Mayberg, H., Bean, J., McKeon, D., Fatima, Z., & Anderson, A. K. (2007). Attending to the present: Mindfulness meditation reveals distinct neural modes of self-reference. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 2(4), 313–322. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsm030
• Heinrichs, M., Baumgartner, T., Kirschbaum, C., & Ehlert, U. (2003). Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress. Biological Psychiatry, 54(12), 1389–1398. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(03)00465-7
• Hölzel, B. K., Lazar, S. W., Gard, T., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Vago, D. R., & Ott, U. (2011). How does mindfulness meditation work? Proposing mechanisms of action from a conceptual and neural perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(6), 537–559. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691611419671
• Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x
• McEwen, B. S., & Gianaros, P. J. (2011). Stress- and allostasis-induced brain plasticity. Annual Review of Medicine, 62, 431–445. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-052209-100430
• Porges, S. W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.009
• Raichle, M. E. (2015). The brain’s default mode network. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 38, 433–447. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-071013-014030
• Ströhle, A. (2009). Physical activity, exercise, depression and anxiety disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 32(4), 705–711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.006
• Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7
• Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psychophysiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 353. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353