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MCC Daily Tribune

Holiday Season & Winter Break Stress

For some of us, long breaks or the holiday season come with challenges and dilemmas. Many of the stressors encountered can be difficult to manage.  Therefore, the Counseling Center & Disability Services office wants to share some information and tips on ways to support self and/or others that might be navigating some upcoming stressful situations. It is important to mention that some of the concepts shared will look different for different individuals. Also, this is not an exhaustive list of all skills/methods but hope that this helps jump start your mind to think more and differently about ways to care for yourself and to support your well-being during the holiday season/winter break.

Setting Personal/Social/Emotional/Social Media Boundaries:

  1. Set specific times for personal time.
  2. Monitor your social media intake and limit newsfeed checks.
  3. Put passcodes on devices.
  4. Taking care of yourself should be a priority.

Handling Difficult People:

  1. Remain calm; this is probably one of the hardest steps.  When calm you can be more in control of your own thoughts, feelings, and reactions.
  2. Try to understand the perspectives and intentions of others. This does not mean you have to agree with them but it may help you understand their motivations.
  3. Ask others for support.
  4. Avoid arguing and give yourself permission to let things go. 

Maintaining Routine:

  1. Routines can be important because they may anchor our day or provide us a sense of stability during periods of uncertainty or stress.
  2. Some of the smallest habits may offer you with structure during winter break and in turn support the promotion of positive mental health.
  3. Thinking back over the past few months…What morning routines were helpful in the planning and starting of your day? What routines helped you make sense and meaning out of the day? If you have time to establish new routines, what would you like to further develop?

Practicing Self-Care:

  1. Eat a balanced diet.  
  2. Drink plenty of water.
  3. Exercise.
  4. Limit screen time as this can have a negative impact on your sleep, attitude, and focus.
  5. Get plenty of sleep.

Available Resources:

  • If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free and confidential support for individuals in distress. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
  • Feeling stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic? You are not alone. Call the NYS Emotional Support Helpline available 7 days a week from 8am-10pm at 1-844-863-9314.
  • Monroe County Lifeline – (585) 275-5151 which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We wish you a healthy, safe, and relaxing holiday and winter break.  Take care of yourself and we will see you in 2021.

Aubrey Zamiara
Counseling Center & Disability Services
12/17/2020