While the holidays can be a season for joy and togetherness, they can also be a stressful time of complex emotions and loneliness for many people. Blue Yonder’s Time to Talk* team members offer guidance on ways to improve one’s mental health and well-being this holiday season.

If you could share any words of compassion or kindness with a person struggling around the holidays, what would they be?

The holidays are a joyous time, and equally a time for reflection. It’s okay to not get into the season vibe. The holidays bring different feelings for different people. If the season is difficult for you, it’s okay to find your space and way through by setting boundaries – don’t feel like you have to sacrifice your well-being or mental health. – Brendan Rapose, Solutions Advisor – Pre Sales

We put too much pressure on ourselves to make the holidays perfect. The holidays are about family and loved ones, not presents and perfect decorations. Give yourself grace and only do what brings you joy this holiday season. If it means forgoing sending out holiday cards or putting up that second tree, then so be it. Allow yourself to feel the magic of the season by focusing on what makes you happy. – Marina Renneke, Corporate Communications Senior Director – Corporate Communications

The arrival of the holiday season, as much as we may look forward to it, could feel like a vacuum – a space that we dearly yearn for, yet at the same time, makes us feel stressed out about how to make the best of it. Been there? Let me tell you, you are not alone. Many of us might be rowing the same boat!

As they say, ‘tis the season! Look for something that brings you joy, something that makes you come alive, and maybe even brings out the child in you. Maybe a forgotten hobby, a favorite workout or reconnecting with old friends. By embracing that one little thing that fills you with a glimmer each day, you allow yourself to begin to feel the spirit of the season. You matter and this world needs your light – spread your warmth and shine your brilliance! – Kranthi Remala, Product Manager – Product Management Operations

I think Step #1 is facing it! If you are experiencing negative feelings about the upcoming holidays, it is worth figuring out what exactly is triggering it. Is it the stress of hosting many guests, or your financial situation not allowing you to spend as much as you would like? Once you can pinpoint the one or many things that make you feel uncomfortable, here are some thoughts for you:

  • Are you hosting too many guests? If you are exhausted from a tough year and would rather wind down this holiday season, ask your guests to help you by bringing something, contributing to the food or helping you cook.
  • Are you experiencing financial stress? This is nothing to be ashamed of. You can give your time as present, such as helping to repair or prepare the home, or allowing your friends one night out by offering to host the kids. You can even invite someone to your house and cook for them.
  • Is there someone amongst the family that is causing stress? Suppressing feelings might not be a good idea – we often hear of emotions bursting out exactly during such festivities. Instead of spending 24/7 with your entire family, see if you can schedule visits to get more quality time with specific family members.

I strongly believe that even thinking about what the trigger is for your feelings is already a significant step to help you navigate through them. Finally, we need to talk about it – if we hide our emotions, sorrows and more, then others around us might not recognize them, and then they can’t support you. Open yourself and let others help you!

This year my mom passed away. Now even thinking about the upcoming holidays and her not being around makes me almost instantly cry. I will allow those emotions; the family is aware, and we’ll get through this together. I also share my thoughts with my best friend(s) and speaking or meeting with them around this time also helps a lot. – Claudia Kraft, Global Operations Senior Director – Consulting

* Blue Yonder offers Time to Talk, a network of Mental Health First Aiders trained to support associates struggling with their mental health. Most importantly, the Time to Talk team provides a safe space and is available for anyone needing someone to talk to without judgment.