The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate with family and friends, but they can also cause social, emotional and financial stress. So it’s important to take time for yourself and approach the holidays in a way that will preserve your own mental well-being. Luckily, many holiday traditions naturally support wellness! 

Decorations: 

Stringing lights around your house, putting up a tree, lighting candles — all these activities, at the most practical level, bring light into your home in the darkest time of the year. More subtly, they’re a way to take control of your immediate surroundings, and probably tidy up a bit in the process — a practice that is definitely linked to reduced stress. 

Music:

Whether you’re in a choir or just singing along to your favorite holiday tunes at home, raising your voice in song has a huge range of health benefits. Studies have shown that singing in a low-pressure setting — not solo at Carnegie Hall, but more like gathered around a piano with friends — reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Group singing has also been shown to improve mental well-being and promote a feeling of social inclusion.

Baking:

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, baking a batch of cookies can be worth the trouble. Your kitchen gets toasty-warm, the house smells great, and you get the satisfaction of finishing a creative project in a few hours. If you need a formal excuse, know that therapists have identified cooking, and especially more methodical baking, as a great mindfulness exercise.

Giving:

Looking out for others is a big part of the holiday season — whether you’re donating money to charity or giving the gift of your time or skills to brighten others’ holidays. Helping others is a reliable (and measurable) way to help yourself feel happier.

Let it snow:

Even if you’re not a fan of winter weather, a brisk walk in the cold might be just what you need. Cold-weather workouts of any kind have the benefit of burning more calories and other physical improvements, but they have also been shown to boost brain function. So if you find yourself stuck on a problem, bundle up and head outdoors. Bonus: You’ll love the warmth more when you get back inside, light the candles, put on some music and eat some of those cookies you baked — and don’t forget to share some around.