The magic of the holiday season can also bring unique challenges, especially to our mental health. Many of us are already navigating the pressures of being leaders in this industry, and adding colder weather, shorter days, and holiday planning can tip the scales leaving us feeling anxious and stressed making it harder to enjoy time with our loved ones.

It’s especially important this time of year to be proactive about maintaining our mental wellness so that we can continue leading at work and showing up for our loved ones at home.

Here are some ideas to help you stay on top of your game this holiday season:

Look ahead for your seasonal stressors. Planning ahead can help you minimize rushing around and last-minute pressures. Take a look at your current transactions and holiday commitments and plan accordingly. 

Prioritize movement and daylight. Taking a quick walk outdoors, even if it’s cold, and ensuring that you get some daylight each day will help you keep your mood on an even keel. If you struggle to find time outdoors or your climate doesn’t allow it, adding an inexpensive light therapy lamp to your desk may be a great tool! 

Set healthy boundaries. Social obligations abound this time of year both personally and professionally and it’s easy to get excited and overcommit. Say no to the activities that drain you, limiting after-hours work emails and calls, and carving out downtime with loved ones without interruption will help you shore up those boundaries. These boundaries also include setting a budget to avoid overspending. Your 2025 bank account will thank you!

Lean into your routine. Real estate schedules can be unpredictable and, at times, chaotic so a consistent routine can work wonders. Establish set times for healthy meals, exercise, and sleep and stick to them to help you stabilize your energy levels and mood, making it easier to handle (waves hands) all the things.

Stay connected to avoid feelings of isolation. Attending community events like holiday markets or industry networking events, scheduling a coffee date with friends, or virtual visits with long-distance loved ones will help you engage and fill your cup!

Reflect on all the good the year has brought to you. Gratitude helps you shift your focus from perceived things that are missing to those that are abundant. Take a look back at the year as a whole and reflect on everything you are thankful for and all the positive things that happened. 

Embrace rest. Sleep isn’t the only type of rest we need. Give yourself permission to pause, say no, or scale back on commitments that don’t make you feel great or align with your goals.

Seek professional support, if needed. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we need an outside perspective to give us a leg up. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stuck, seeking the guidance of a mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are plenty of private, low-cost resources available to help you get through a challenging time.