Companies play an important role here. A working environment that takes mental health seriously supports employees not only throughout the year, but also during particularly challenging periods such as the holidays. This in turn has a positive effect on productivity, loyalty and well-being.
Why the holidays can be a stressful time
Although the holidays are intended to be a time of rest and relaxation, many people find this period stressful. The transition between professional obligations, personal expectations and social pressure is often underestimated. Studies show that psychological stress increases significantly in December and January. People who suffer from chronic stress, find themselves in exceptional physical or emotional situations, or are currently experiencing difficulties with family planning, relationships or health are particularly affected.
Physical issues such as infertility, miscarriages, the menopause or changes in the male body during middle age can also cause emotional pain, especially during the family time of the holidays. All of this affects mental health and ultimately performance at work.
Clear strategies and conscious self-care can help to ensure that the holidays do not become a burden.
Five tips for healthy holidays – emotionally, mentally and physically
1. Reduce expectations and set priorities
Many people feel under pressure during the holidays: perfect gatherings, perfect planning, perfect atmosphere. But expectations are often the biggest stress factor.
It can be helpful to consciously decide: What is really important to me during this time? A simplified celebration, smaller gatherings or consciously planned rest periods can be an enormous relief.
Clear prioritisation is also worthwhile in a work context. Managers should plan tasks realistically and avoid unnecessary end-of-year pressure. Employees benefit from consciously streamlining their to-do lists before the holidays and setting achievable goals.
2. Setting boundaries – professionally and privately
The holidays are an invitation to be constantly available, whether for family, friends or colleagues. Yet healthy mental boundaries are essential.
This means:
really switching off emails
planning fixed periods of rest
saying no when appointments or expectations become too much
Companies can support employees by communicating clear periods of rest or recommending automated out-of-office settings. A respectful approach to days off has been shown to have a positive effect on recovery and mental health.
3. Establishing rituals for calm and body awareness
Mental health is closely linked to our physical wellbeing. Lack of sleep, little movement or irregular routines can amplify stress. Small rituals help to maintain inner calm.
Examples:
- short breathing or relaxation exercises
- daily walks
- simple meditations
- conscious stretching or gentle movement
Nature and fresh air in particular have been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. Just ten minutes outdoors can make a difference.
4. Consciously acknowledging emotional strain
The holidays can trigger old wounds, whether an unfulfilled desire to have children, a miscarriage, menopause, family conflicts or simply a phase of exhaustion. What matters is not pushing these feelings away but giving them conscious space.
Short, concrete tips:
Naming feelings: Pause for a moment and notice what is present right now. This noticeably reduces stress.
Setting social boundaries: Not every gathering is obligatory. Shorter visits or clear breaks are completely legitimate.
Building micro-pauses: Three minutes of breathing, a short walk, a change of room – small interruptions relax the nervous system.
Avoiding energy drainers: Consciously spending time with people with whom you feel safe and comfortable.
Social media breaks: Less comparison, less pressure. Even fixed offline times provide relief.
- Realistic self care: Allowing yourself to accept that mixed feelings are normal. “It is okay that I feel this way.”
5. Accept support and take advantage of offers
There are times when you need support, and especially during the holidays, this is not a sign of weakness, but rather self-care. Professional support and counselling services can be a great relief.
Whether it’s initial psychological counselling, EAPs, health information or coaching, early help can prevent stress from becoming chronic.
Low-threshold access is particularly important. Many people wait too long to seek help because they are held back by shame or uncertainty. Transparent internal communication about the services available can be crucial here.
How Onuava can support employees
Onuava offers comprehensive support for people who are going through a challenging phase, either physically or mentally, such as starting a family, hormonal changes or reproductive health issues. This can be a significant relief, especially during the holidays, as many people experience increased stress during this time, whether due to unfulfilled desires to have children, miscarriage, menopause or andropause, complex family situations, or questions about social freezing, single motherhood, or rainbow families.
Onuava provides experts to assist with these issues, supplemented by coaching, short relaxation exercises, audio recordings and in-depth information modules. Managers can also be sensitised through targeted training. This creates a working environment in which people feel understood and supported, which has a direct positive effect on their mental health.
Conclusion
The holidays can be wonderful and challenging at the same time. With clear strategies, emotional self-care and low-threshold support, it is possible to make this special time a peaceful one. Companies that take mental health seriously not only create better working conditions, but also promote long-term satisfaction, loyalty and productivity.
With services such as Onuava, they can provide their employees with holistic support – physically, mentally and emotionally.
