6 Things I Do Each Year That Have Helped Ease My Depression and Anxiety Over the Holidays

Before the season gets underway, I like to take some time to figure out what I really want to do during the holidays. I assess things like my finances to figure out if I can afford to travel. I calculate how much money I have and want to spend on gift giving. I also determine how many holiday events I can and want to attend. After that, I make a list of traditions I want to keep that sound fun and low-pressure to me. I do my best not to feel guilty about saying no to a few things or setting limits around my budget, so that I don't feel stressed about my time or money. Once I have a realistic plan and budget in place, I can make choices that feel positive for me.