The holidays are often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for many of us, this time of year can also bring up feelings of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Whether it’s family dynamics that trigger old wounds, work pressures piling up, or financial strain that creates added worry, the holidays can feel overwhelming.

So how do you navigate this tricky terrain without losing your emotional and mental well-being? The key is to hold space for yourself and establish boundaries that allow you to protect your energy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s easy to push away difficult emotions during the holidays, especially when there’s pressure to appear cheerful or “have it all together.” But pretending things are fine when they aren’t can be draining. Instead, take a moment to acknowledge how you’re truly feeling. Are you stressed about family gatherings? Anxious about financial concerns? Feeling overextended from work demands? Recognizing and naming your emotions helps you begin to process them in a healthy way.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries are an essential tool for self-care, especially during the holidays. You don’t have to attend every event or say “yes” to every request. If certain family dynamics are difficult, give yourself permission to limit time spent in stressful situations or even opt out entirely. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by work, speak to your employer about managing your workload, or carve out time for rest.

When it comes to finances, create a budget that is realistic for your current situation and stick to it. There’s no shame in not being able to participate in every gift exchange or event that requires financial contribution. Being clear with yourself—and others—about what you can and cannot do helps you stay grounded.

3. Communicate Your Needs with Compassion

Holding space for yourself doesn’t mean isolating yourself or being distant. It means communicating your needs with others in a way that’s compassionate but firm. If you need to take breaks during family gatherings or politely excuse yourself from certain events, be clear about it. If you’re experiencing financial stress, it’s okay to let friends or family know that you may not be able to participate in gift exchanges or other costly activities.

Approaching these conversations with kindness—toward both yourself and others—helps foster understanding without guilt or shame.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind of expectations, both internal and external. But remember that you have control over how you respond to these pressures. Focus on the things you can manage—whether that’s limiting your social engagements, setting realistic work goals, or finding small ways to bring calm into your day, like taking quiet moments for yourself or enjoying a simple activity that brings you joy.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Finally, remember that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. You’re allowed to feel conflicted or stressed during the holidays. Give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned, and allow yourself to step away when you need to. Be gentle with yourself, just as you would be with a close friend going through a tough time.

By holding space for your feelings, setting clear boundaries, and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate the holiday season in a way that respects your emotional needs and protects your mental well-being. After all, the holidays are about connection—first and foremost with yourself.