StarVista’s Holiday Wellness Toolkit
A collaboration between StarVista, San Mateo County Pride Center, and StarVista Crisis Center.
The holiday season, regardless of which ones you celebrate or even if you don’t celebrate any, can be difficult for various reasons. The anticipation of longer, darker days can also bring about feelings of anxiety or sadness. This toolkit is designed to help you prepare for or manage any challenging times ahead, whether you’re facing isolation or spending time with others. Throughout this campaign, we’ll provide resources and suggestions for places to go and activities to do if you need extra support. Many of these ideas are useful year-round and may inspire new ways to take better care of ourselves and each other.
For quick toolkit tips, be sure to follow StarVista on social media @StarVistaSMC, @SanMateoCrisis, and @SanMateoPride!
When you find you are facing a difficult situation or stress, try TAP!
TAP stands for Take a breath, Acknowledge, Proceed. TAP can be used in many situations; when one is becoming dysregulated, stressed, or facing a difficult situation.
As part of the 12-session Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment (MBSAT) program developed by Dr. Sam Himelstein and taught here at StarVista’s Insights program, youth learn to use this tool at appropriate times to promote self-awareness and good decision-making.
When you need that extra breath that can make all the difference, try TAP!
Everyone faces life’s challenges, but without the right resources, these struggles can become overwhelming. That’s where StarVista steps in. For over 55 years, we’ve been empowering individuals of all ages and stages of life in San Mateo County with innovative, proven programs that promote prevention, change, and resilience. Each year, we support tens of thousands of people in our community through nearly 30 programs focused on counseling, case management, skill development, and crisis prevention. We believe in the power of every person to transform their life.
StarVista is here to support you. We offer a wide range of programs designed to support individuals and families in San Mateo County. Learn more.
StarVista’s Early Childhood and School-based Services provide San Mateo County children, youth, families and farmworkers with comprehensive mental health services that build resilience, strengthen mental health, and cultivate community wellness.
StarVista’s Youth and Community Empowerment Services ensure that San Mateo County youth feel supported as they encounter life’s challenges like unstable housing, mental health issues, navigating the foster care system, or accessing LGBTQ-centered care, empowering them to build the lives they envision.
StarVista’s Wellness and Recovery Services provide a range of substance use and mental health programs for youth and adults. Treatment is individualized and client centered as clients are empowered to take responsibility for their choices, get connected with tools to tackle their challenges, build support networks, and create positive life changes.
StarVista’s Crisis Services deliver extensive mental health support to children, youth, adults, and families facing mental health crises or requiring assistance through crisis intervention, suicide prevention, compassionate understanding, and connection to vital resources.
Finding Connection During the Holidays
For some, the holiday season brings warm images of togetherness and celebration. However, for many, this time of year can be tinged with complex emotions, isolation, and loneliness. As San Mateo County’s recent resolution declaring loneliness a public health crisis demonstrates this challenge affects many in our communities. However, it’s important to remember that these challenges don’t define the season. Connection can come in many forms, whether through biological family, chosen family, friends, acquaintances, or broader community engagement.
Family Can Also Be Chosen
Chosen family represents the deep, meaningful connections we build outside of biological relationships. These are the people who love and accept you for exactly who you are. For many, chosen family provides essential emotional support, understanding, and a sense of belonging that can be particularly meaningful during the holiday season.
Building Your Chosen Family
Creating meaningful connections takes time, and that’s okay. Consider starting small:
- Reach out to one person who makes you feel seen.
- Nurture existing supportive friendships.
- Consider joining social groups or organizations that align with your interests and values.
- Attend inclusive events and gatherings where you might meet kindred spirits.
Remember: there’s no “right” way to build your support system. What matters is finding connections that feel authentic and nurturing for you.
Making the Holidays Your Own
Traditional holiday celebrations might not resonate with everyone—and that’s perfectly fine. Here are some ways to create meaningful experiences that support your well-being:
Create New Traditions:
Think about what truly brings you joy. Maybe it’s hosting a casual dinner with friends, having a movie marathon with your chosen family, or spending a quiet evening with supportive people who understand you.
Set Healthy Boundaries
- Decline invitations that don’t feel right
- Spend less time at challenging gatherings
- Create celebrations that reflect your values
- Prioritize your emotional well-being
Navigating Complex Relationships
Many people balance relationships with both chosen and biological family. This can be tricky, especially during the holidays. Remember:
- You can value different relationships in different ways
- It’s okay to celebrate multiple times with different groups
- Your feelings about family dynamics are valid
- You can adjust traditions to better serve your needs
Building Year-Round Connection
While holiday loneliness often gets the most attention, meaningful connections matter all year long. Consider:
- Regular check-ins with supportive friends and chosen family
- Supporting each other’s goals and dreams.
- Creating spaces for both celebration and support.
- Building traditions that extend beyond holidays.
- Showing up for both joyful and challenging moments.
- Joining ongoing community groups.
Finding Your Community
Community connection comes in many forms. Some places to start:
- Local support groups (including ours!)
- Community centers
- Online forums
- Local meetup groups
- Volunteer organizations
Taking Care of Yourself
As you navigate this season, remember:
- Your feelings are valid
- You deserve support
- It’s okay to take breaks
- Help is available when needed
While building community takes time, remember that somewhere out there, your people are looking for you too. Start small, be patient with yourself, and know that you deserve a holiday season filled with genuine connection and joy.
Nurturing Your Mental Health This Season
The holiday season is, for most, a time of joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. For others, this time of the year can be filled with stress, loneliness, and emotional turmoil, especially for those facing mental health challenges. We recognize that the holidays can be a mixture of different emotions, and we want to equip you with tips and tools, including activities and coping strategies, to navigate this season with greater resilience and wellbeing:
WELLNESS STRATEGIES
Self-Care
Set aside time to identify activities that rejuvenate you, whether that’s reading, going for a nature walk, or practicing mindfulness. Create a plan for incorporating these activities into your holiday schedule.
Mindfulness
Deep breathing exercises and meditation, can help you ground yourself and manage stress. Consider dedicating a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or try guided meditation tutorials or applications.
REASSURING SUPPORTS
Loved Ones
Don’t hesitate to connect with friends and family during the holidays. Sharing your feelings and experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Organize a virtual gathering if in-person meetings aren’t possible.
Professional Support
If you find the holiday season overwhelming, consider reaching out to mental health professionals. Our crisis center offers confidential support through hotlines and therapy sessions. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.
Expectations
Set Boundaries
It’s essential to recognize your limits and prioritize self-care over obligation. Politely decline invitations or ask for help to manage your commitments better. It’s okay to say no!
Realistic Goals
Instead of striving for perfection in holiday preparations, focus on what truly matters to you. Let go of the pressure to create an ideal holiday experience and embrace the joys in the imperfect moments.
Healthy Activities
Stay Active
Physical activity can significantly boost your mood and reduce stress. Consider incorporating simple exercises, like walking or stretching, into your daily routine.
Eat Well
Treat your body with care by preparing nourishing meals. While it’s tempting to indulge during the holidays, balance is key. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals and remember to stay hydrated.
Compassion and Kindness
Volunteer
Helping others can provide a sense of fulfillment and lift your spirits. Look for opportunities within your community to volunteer at shelters, food banks, or local organizations in need.
Kindness
Small acts of kindness, whether it’s sending a heartfelt message, donating to a cause, or simply offering a smile, can create ripples of positivity during the holidays.
When It Gets Difficult
Acknowledge Feelings
It’s okay to feel sadness, anxiety, or loneliness during the holidays. Recognize and validate these feelings rather than suppressing them. Journaling or talking to someone you trust can help you process your emotions.
Coping Strategies
If you anticipate difficult moments, prepare a list of coping strategies in advance. This could include listening to comforting music, practicing deep breathing, or going for a walk, anything that helps you recalibrate when emotions run high.
Remember, you’re not alone — reach out and seek support when needed.
StarVista Crisis Center operates a San Mateo County’s 24/7 Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention hotline: 650-579-0350. We are handling calls, texts, and chats from both local and national sources. Crisis counselors provide immediate support, conduct suicide risk assessments, develop plans to keep people safe, and offer compassionate connections.
Take care of yourself and cherish the moments that bring you joy! The holiday season doesn’t need to be solely a source of stress. By equipping yourself with healthy coping strategies and nurturing self-care practices, you can make this time of year more manageable and even enjoyable.
Wishing you peace, love, and health this holiday season from all of us at StarVista Crisis Center.