The holidays are a time that most people anticipate and enjoy — but some people have a more complicated relationship with the season.

The key to enjoying the holidays is to know your own feelings and plan accordingly. Remember the reason for the season: to connect with loved ones, engage in the activities you most enjoy, volunteer with organizations you support, or plan activities that bring you joy. It can also be a time to reflect, recharge and make plans for the new year.

But even when you look forward to the holidays, they can be stressful. There’s so much to accomplish in a short period of time: planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning and more. Don’t sabotage your healthy habits — indulging in holiday treats can be balanced with healthy food choices; exercise can be a welcome addition to holiday events.

Try to take the stress out of your holiday events by focusing on the people involved. You can downplay gift-giving expectations, replacing commercial gifts with time together or help with chores.

For those who suffer from the holiday blues, this time of year is a trigger for feelings of loneliness, sadness and a sense of loss or fatigue. Seasonal factors such as less sunlight, as well as too much alcohol at parties, grieving for someone important in your life, or the inability to be with friends or family can all contribute to the blues.

If you think you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, work on ways to increase your light exposure. Even a five-minute walk around the block at lunchtime can help. Schedule meals with coworkers during the workday and with friends after work; arrange outdoor field trips for your class; wear colorful clothes and brighten your classroom or workspace with colorful art. Bright light therapy, with doctor support, has proven very helpful (but do not use tanning beds as treatment).

Whether you look forward to the season all year long or just try to get through it, there are common ways to contribute to your holiday wellness.

Wellness tips

• Stick to normal routines: Get enough sleep and eat a balanced, healthy diet.
• Avoid alcohol if you are feeling down — it is a depressant and can make you feel worse.
• Get some exercise every day, even if it’s a short walk in the sunlight.
• Keep your plans simple, and don’t set unrealistic goals for holiday entertaining or shopping.
• Listen to music, go on outings and make time to enjoy things that bring you joy.
• Be yourself: If you need a break, step outside for some fresh air.
• You can decline some invitations, but don’t isolate.

And remember to take time for things that make the season meaningful to you.

For support with short-term counseling or referrals for help with a range of issues, contact the UFT Member Assistance Program at 212-701-9620 or by emailing mapinfo [at] uft [dot] org (mapinfo[at]uft[dot]org). If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, call the MAP CAREline at 212-331-6322, from Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to speak with a licensed clinician.