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Mental Health Over the Holidays

The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy and celebration. However, for many in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry, it can also bring heightened stress and mental health challenges. While there are moments of happiness, the season frequently brings about stress, loneliness, and even grief—all of which are rarely seen in the idealized portrayals of festive cheer. For workers in an industry focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences, understanding and addressing these mental health pressures is essential. 

Why Mental Health Struggles Intensify During the Holidays 

The holiday season can amplify emotional struggles due to various factors: 

  • Increased Demands: Seasonal roles often require long hours and productivity, leaving little room for personal rest. 
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Shorter days and colder weather can contribute to feelings of sadness and isolation. 
  • Financial Strain: Holiday expectations can lead to financial stress, particularly for those working in temporary or part-time roles. 
  • Loneliness and Isolation: Being away from family or working in unfamiliar locations can deepen feelings of isolation, especially for those lacking strong social connections. 

These challenges, combined with societal pressures for a “perfect” holiday season, create a complex emotional mix, even for those who typically enjoy the season. 

Actionable Strategies for Managing Holiday Stress 

In response to these pressures, tourism and hospitality professionals can adopt practical approaches to prioritize mental health. Here are strategies for workers and management to support well-being during this busy season: 

1. Set Realistic Expectations 

  • Manage Team Expectations: Tourism and hospitality work is demanding, especially during peak seasons. Encourage manageable goals, share challenges openly with your team, and celebrate small successes to boost morale. 
  • Embrace Imperfection: Avoid striving for perfection in holiday plans. Accept that things may not go as planned, and focus on positive outcomes. 

2. Prioritize Self-Care 

  • Rest, Nutrition, and Exercise: Allocate time for self-care activities that rejuvenate and relax you. Ensure adequate rest, exercise, and balanced meals. 
  • Avoid Substance Misuse: Holiday stress can sometimes lead to increased alcohol or substance use. See this additional resource on “Substance Use in the Workplace” for tips on maintaining healthy habits. 
  • Manage Family Dynamics: Set boundaries around family gatherings to protect your well-being. Brief centering practices before and after interactions can help. 
  • Combat Burnout: Incorporate quick self-care steps during busy shifts, like micro-breaks, hydration, and quiet moments to reset. Mindfulness exercises, brief walks, or deep breathing can ease stress. 

3. Embrace and Accept a Range of Emotions 

  • Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s natural to feel a range of emotions during the holidays, from joy to sadness. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment, showing compassion for whatever arises. 

4. Stay Connected 

  • Reach Out to Supportive People: Maintain social connections with friends and family, even virtually. If you’re far from home, plan video calls with loved ones and connect with coworkers in similar situations. 

5. Set Boundaries 

  • Say No to Overcommitment: Taking on extra responsibilities can lead to overwhelm. Communicate your limits clearly with family, friends, and colleagues. 

6. Manage Finances 

  • Create a Budget: Holiday expenses can add up quickly. Plan purchases in advance and set a budget to reduce financial stress, enabling more meaningful celebrations. 

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed 

  • Professional Support: If feelings of overwhelm become too much to handle alone, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Many organizations offer resources like counseling or support groups. 

8. Honor Grief and Loss 

For those experiencing loss, the holidays can amplify feelings of grief. Creating new traditions, such as special outings or volunteer work, can provide comfort and healing. Volunteering can also foster a sense of purpose and connection, whether at a soup kitchen, gift drive, or by helping neighbors. 

Examples of Industry Professionals Putting Mental Health First 

Here are some real-world examples of how workers prioritize mental health during the holiday season: 

  • Javier, Ski Lift Operator: Far from family, Javier manages by setting realistic expectations, scheduling virtual calls with loved ones, and enjoying morning ski runs to stay active. He takes short micro-breaks throughout his shifts to recharge. 
  • Zara, Hotel Supervisor: Facing high guest demand, Zara prioritizes self-care with meditation breaks, deep breathing exercises, and clear boundaries with family. She maintains realistic holiday expectations and finds mutual support with coworkers. 
  • Carla, Brewery Worker: Not celebrating the holidays, Carla sets boundaries around holiday-related conversations at work. She enjoys personal hobbies and connects with friends who share similar holiday views. 
  • Rajiv, Restaurant Chef: Rajiv tackles long hours by taking mindfulness breaks, encouraging team check-ins, and dedicating days off to self-care activities like hiking. 

In BC’s tourism and hospitality industry, where seasonal demands are high and customer satisfaction is essential, workers must prioritize mental well-being over the holidays. By setting realistic expectations, practicing self-care, and fostering meaningful connections, professionals can navigate seasonal pressures while maintaining mental health. Through compassionate support and community, the holiday season can be made not only manageable but meaningful.