Managing Holiday Stress: Tips from the Uprise Health Team

It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the new year, and now we’re preparing for the holiday season. Although this time of year brings joy for many, it can be stressful, especially if you don’t have the plan to manage stressful events.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to kick stress to the curb, including shifting your mindset, keeping time for yourself, and ruminating on the things for which you’re thankful. Here are a few tips from our Uprise Health team for managing stress and finding joy during the holidays.

Alicia Hooper, BH Clinical Care Specialist

What are you most thankful for this year?

I’m celebrating growth—my husband graduated with his Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and obtained his LPC-A!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is spending time with my nieces and nephew and doing a holiday-centered activity of their choosing. Unique experiences have always been my preferred method of celebrating and spending time together.

How do you manage stress during the holiday season?

I manage stress by setting clear and healthy boundaries with myself and with my loved ones by using this statement: “I value … So I need … And will honor by …”. This formula has often helped me set clear, value-driven boundaries and usually increases my happiness upon reflecting on how I managed stress.

What do you plan to do differently in 2023?

I plan to return to traveling, prioritize time outside, and set more daily intentions to maintain balance.

Ray Goforth, SVP of Marketing

What are you most thankful for this year?

I’m most thankful that I can enjoy Thanksgiving with my Mom this year. Spending time together in person has a new meaning after the last few years.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite holiday tradition is being with my Mom in the kitchen, cooking traditional family recipes and testing new ones that may or may not make the cut the following year.

How do you manage stress during the holiday season?

I take time outs with my dog and go for walks to center myself. The benefits are two-fold—I’m getting exercise and burning off all the extra calories, and enjoying a few moments alone to collect myself.

What do you plan to do differently in 2023?

I want to do a better job in 2023 of expressing my appreciation for the special people in my life. From family, friends, and co-workers, I want to slow down long enough to acknowledge how much they mean to me.

Stacy Mayes, People Operations Analyst

What are you most thankful for this year?

I’m thankful for my friends and my family! I know it’s a common response, but I don’t know what I’d do without them. They are always there when I need support.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite tradition is cookies! My family bakes a bunch of various kinds, like Linzer cookies, chocolate peppermint, gingerbread, and sugar cookies.

How do you manage stress during the holiday season?

Like work, I find it’s helpful making a to-do list of all the things I need to accomplish—and when they need to be finished. I also need to constantly remind myself that I don’t need to do everything at once and that I have more time than I think. Also, I ask for help and delegate tasks when I can!

What do you plan to do differently in 2023?

Try to meet new people! This is my first fully remote role, and I’ve found that I don’t get as much social time as I used to. I think putting yourself out there and taking part in activities that you find enjoyable can bring new relationships.

Uprise Health looking forward to 2023!

After an exciting year at Uprise Health, our team is eagerly looking forward to 2023 and helping more organizations thrive. We’re thankful for our clients and their members, and we are really grateful for the opportunity to support the mental health of thousands of people across the U.S. From our team to yours, we hope your holiday season is full of joy and gratitude.

If you’re looking for more ways to manage holiday stress, check out our mental health resources on the Uprise Health Blog. If you’re a member, log in to your Member Portal for mental health tips!