The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers 14 Tips To Survive The Holidays With Sanity (Mostly) Intact - From A Psychologist
Dec 19, 2025
Holidays can be tough on mental health, but you're not alone in feeling this way. Discover strategies for managing family stress, loneliness, and seasonal pressures. Learn the importance of setting boundaries and budgeting emotional energy to avoid burnout. Embrace new traditions and find joy in unexpected places, like a cozy Thanksgiving at McDonald's. Protect your routines with good sleep and nutrition while minimizing social media exposure. Remember, it's okay to step away and take breaks—prioritize your well-being!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Holidays Compound Multiple Stressors
- The holidays and winter combine environmental, social, and financial stressors that worsen mental health for many people.
- Dr. Scott Eilers highlights that shorter days, cold, family stress, and money pressure create predictable seasonal declines.
Protect Your Biorhythms
- Stick to regular sleep, nutrition, and activity rhythms despite holiday disruptions.
- Avoid overconsumption of food and alcohol because they worsen sleep, energy, and mood.
Use Psychosocial Boundaries
- Screen incoming comments and contain what you share to keep psychosocial boundaries at family events.
- Visualize a bubble or hamster ball so other people's words don't enter your emotional space.