It’s the most wonderful time of the year – except when it’s not. Some people can’t wait for the holidays to arrive, while others are anxious for the season to be over. And for those dealing with loss or grief, pressure to put on a happy face may be especially exhausting. If the holiday season has a tendency to stir up your emotions, the following tips could help keep your mental health in check.

• Don’t forget your own basic needs. It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget just how much sleep and diet can affect your mood. With the busy holiday schedule, poor sleep and irregular meal times can also lead to increased stress levels. So, pay attention to your body. Nap if and when you can. And stay committed to those healthy eating habits.

• Recognize and accept your feelings. If you’re experiencing feelings of sadness, anger or grief during the holidays, try to be patient with yourself. Give yourself permission to cry when you need to, and don’t be afraid to express what you’re feeling to the people who are close to you.

• Plan ahead and set realistic goals. The hurry and bustle of the holidays can add to your anxiety level, particularly if plans are unclear or you’re over-scheduled. Before it gets really busy, talk with your family and friends about which events and activities are your top priorities, and then mark them on your calendar. Some families create private Facebook groups to coordinate yearly gatherings. Others use a shared online calendar. Whatever you decide, simply having a plan will help ease your mind.

• Accept others for who they are. During the holidays, it’s easy to run into friends and family members you don’t see very often. The thought of arguments breaking out over politics, or beliefs, or any other controversial topic might be a real source of anxiety for you. Remember that people will be who they are, and they’re not likely to change their minds just because it’s Christmas. Try to make peace with that, and instead focus on the people you’re happy to see.

• If you need professional help, don’t be afraid to seek it out. Sometimes feelings of sadness or hopelessness don’t go away, even when you try to stay positive. If that’s the case, talking to a mental health professional is something you should consider.

The holidays can be overwhelming. But with careful planning, a dose of patience and some help from others, you should be able to navigate them peacefully. From everyone at Lowenstein and Associates, we wish you a joyful holiday season.

David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a psychologist and the clinical director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide. Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43206, or call 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.