How to Maintain Mental Health Routines During the Holidays

Dec 7

Author: Mokshvi Shah, BS Northeastern University Student

Published: December 2025

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many people, it also brings stress, disrupted routines, and emotional overwhelm. Whether you’re managing anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or autism, the sudden changes in schedule, travel, and social demands can take a toll on your mental well-being.

At The FLOAAT Center in Gainesville, Florida, we encourage clients to view the holidays not as a test of endurance but as an opportunity to practice mindful self-care. With the right structure and support, it’s possible to enjoy the season while maintaining your mental health and balance.

Why the Holidays Can Be Challenging

The holidays often combine several stressors at once, changes in environment, expectations, and emotional intensity. Some of the most common challenges include:

Disrupted routines: Changes to sleep, meals, or therapy schedules can destabilize comfort and predictability.
Increased social pressure: Gatherings can trigger sensory overload, social anxiety, or emotional fatigue.
Travel and crowds: Navigating airports, shopping, or unfamiliar spaces can heighten stress.
Emotional triggers: Family dynamics, grief, or memories can resurface during this time.

Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward creating a plan that supports your mental health.

Strategies to Stay Grounded During the Holidays

1. Keep Core Routines Consistent
Even when the schedule changes, try to maintain anchors, the small habits that give your day structure. This might include morning coffee and journaling, daily medication, short walks, or a bedtime ritual.

Predictable routines send your brain the message that you’re safe and in control.

2. Plan Ahead for Triggers
If you know certain events or situations tend to cause stress, like loud family gatherings or crowded stores, plan accordingly. Bring headphones, take sensory breaks, or schedule downtime before and after social events.

3. Prioritize Rest and Downtime
The holidays don’t have to mean constant activity. Schedule moments of stillness, reading, meditating, or simply sitting quietly. If you have children, create a calm corner with familiar items like weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones.

4. Set Boundaries Around Socializing
It’s okay to say no or leave early if you need to. Communicate your limits with compassion and clarity:

“I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone, but I may need a little quiet time halfway through.”

Healthy boundaries protect your emotional energy and help you stay present without burning out.

5. Practice Mindful Eating and Movement
Food and exercise routines often shift during the holidays, which can impact mood and focus. Rather than restricting or overcompensating, aim for balance: enjoy favorite foods while also making time for gentle movement or outdoor walks.

6. Stay Connected to Support
If you’re in therapy, try to maintain appointments, even virtually. Many clients at The FLOAAT Center continue their sessions via teletherapy during travel, helping them stay grounded through seasonal stress.

7. Focus on Meaning, Not Perfection
Perfectionism often steals the joy from the holidays. Let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters, connection, gratitude, and self-kindness.

Supporting Children During Holiday Changes

For children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, holiday transitions can be particularly overwhelming. You can help by:

Preparing them in advance with visual schedules or stories about upcoming events.
Maintaining familiar items (toys, routines, snacks) while traveling.
Creating “safe spaces” for quiet time at gatherings.
Celebrating progress when they adapt or self-regulate successfully.

Small gestures of consistency and reassurance make a big difference.

How The FLOAAT Center Can Help

At The FLOAAT Center, we understand the unique challenges that come with managing mental health through changing seasons and routines. Our clinicians support clients through:

Individual therapy for anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and stress management.
Parent coaching for navigating family dynamics and children’s transitions.
Teletherapy sessions to ensure care continuity, even during travel or holiday breaks.

We’re committed to helping individuals and families maintain emotional stability while finding joy in life’s seasonal shifts.

A Healthier, Calmer Holiday Season

Maintaining mental health during the holidays isn’t about strict discipline, it’s about compassion, flexibility, and balance. When you approach the season with awareness and intention, you create space for both joy and rest.

This year, give yourself permission to prioritize peace over perfection. And if you or your family need extra support, know that The FLOAAT Center in Gainesville is here to help you stay grounded, connected, and thriving, through the holidays and beyond.