5 Strategies For Coping With Holiday Stress
By Nicole Frankart, MA, LPCC-S
FRC Assistant Clinical Director
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS EXPERIENCING IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, PLEASE CALL THE CRISIS HOTLINE NUMBER FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU’RE LOCATED.
Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties: 1.800.567.4673
Hancock County: 1.888.936.7116
The holiday season is here, and while it’s often full of joy, connection, and celebration, it can also feel overwhelming. From packed schedules to financial stress, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time, and there are some simple ways to prioritize your mental health.
Here are five practical tips to help you find balance and truly enjoy the holiday season!
1: Set Boundaries
Give yourself permission to say no. Attend, spend, or cook only what is within your means and personal limits. Overcommitting to activities or expectations can lead to stress and overwhelm. It’s okay to protect your time and energy by declining events or activities that don’t fit into your schedule.
2: Stick to a Budget
If you want to purchase gifts, commit to sticking to a budget that you have created. Money spent does not have to be in place of your monthly expenses. And remember, connection is what people value the most. Often, the simple gift your presence during the holidays will mean more to others than something bought at a store.
3: Keep a Routine
The holidays can throw off your usual schedule, but sticking to a routine for sleep, meals, and hydration is essential. Skimping on sleep, nutrition, or self-care can leave you feeling more run-down and less able to handle stress.
4: Wash Your hands
Holiday gatherings are wonderful opportunities to connect, but they can also introduce you to new germs. Keep colds, flus, and other illnesses at bay by practicing good hand hygiene. A little extra care can help keep you healthy and able to enjoy the festivities.
5: Take a Break
Prioritize time to recharge. The holiday season can be busy and demanding, so give yourself moments to pause and relax. Whether it’s taking a nap, going for a walk, reading, or journaling, small breaks can make a big difference for your well-being.
When to Seek Professional Support
Sometimes, the holidays bring up feelings of loneliness, grief, or anxiety that can feel too heavy to handle on your own. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, struggling to cope, or noticing changes in your sleep, appetite, or mood, it may be time to seek professional support. You don’t have to go through this season alone, and talking to a counselor or therapist can help you process your emotions and develop tools to manage stress.
Remember, the holidays don’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to step back, set boundaries, and prioritize what feels right for you. Taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and those around you.
From all of us at Family Resource Center, we hope your holiday season is full of peace, connection, and sparkles of joy.
Family Resource Center offers several services to help you through STRESS, ANXIETY, and depression:
PREVENTION/EDUCATION SERVICES
SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELING SERVICES (YOUTH) – We have counselors located at schools in Hancock, Auglaize, Allen, and Hardin Counties. These counselors are able to provide group or one-on-one service directly at schools. If you are interested in enrolling for these services please reach out to our call center or your local school counselor or principal to see what is offered at your school.
SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATION SERVICES (YOUTH) – Our prevention educators are located at schools in Hancock County to offer group education sessions for youth in grades K-12. These groups work to teach social-emotional skills, health education, life skills training, self-esteem/confidence, and many other topics. If you are interested in hearing more about these groups please reach out to your school counselor or principal to see what is offered at your school.
TREATMENT SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Outpatient services are one-on-one counseling sessions delivered by providers with strong credentials and clinical expertise in all areas of behavioral health. Behavioral health counseling and therapy services consist of a series of time-limited, structured sessions that work towards reaching your defined goals.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (ALL AGES) – We provide psychiatric/medical intervention and Medication Management to reduce and/or eliminate psychiatric symptoms with the goal of improved functioning, including management and reduction of symptoms.
GROUP SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Family Resource Center provides a variety of groups for youth or adults to participate in. These groups are led by counselors as well as peers. Peer support services are led by individuals who have experienced a mental health and/or substance use disorder and are actively in recovery. To find a group session that is right for you, reach out to our call center and connect with a counselor to discuss options with you.
RECOVERY
Family Resource Center believes that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. We are about helping people find their path forward and seeing life through a hopeful lens. This is about more than programs, services, and resources. This is about people who care deeply, people who have dedicated their lives to helping others, and people who see not only the challenges others face but the person who faces them. When you are ready to take the next step toward recovery, please reach out to our call center to find the best fit of services for your individual needs.
3 ways to enroll in Family resource center Services
ONLINE SCREENING
Answer a few short questions to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This screening is completely anonymous and confidential.
OPEN ACCESS HOURS
We have services available at in-person sites in seven different counties, including Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, and Hardin counties.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To get connected with a counselor and enroll in services please call our call center. They will walk you through the enrollment process and connect you with the right services and counselors.