The holiday season is full of excitement—gatherings with family and friends, festive decorations, and maybe even some travel to reunite with loved ones. However, this time of year can also be stressful. With packed schedules, travel logistics, and the pressure to make everything perfect, your mental health can quickly take a backseat. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being during this busy time. Virtual counseling offers a flexible, convenient way to prioritize your mental health no matter where the holidays take you.
Why Virtual Counseling is a Lifesaver During the Holidays
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily overstimulate your nervous system. This heightened stress can manifest in various ways—anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, or feeling emotionally drained. When you’re in this state, it becomes harder to enjoy the holidays and remain fully present with your loved ones.
Engaging in virtual counseling allows you to create a calm space in your schedule, even when life gets hectic. Maintaining regularly scheduled sessions with your therapist, you can focus on calming your nervous system and staying emotionally balanced. This is especially helpful for those who might already struggle with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. The guided support from a therapist can make a significant difference in how you navigate holiday stressors.
Whether you’re an emerging adult transitioning into adulthood, a college student juggling finals and travel, or a professional balancing work deadlines with holiday commitments, counseling can provide much-needed relief.
Flexibility at Your Fingertips
One of the most significant advantages of virtual counseling is its flexibility. Traditional counseling often requires you to commute to an office, which can feel impossible during the holidays when your schedule is already packed. Virtual therapy eliminates this barrier—you can schedule sessions at times that work for you, whether it’s from the comfort of your home, a hotel room, or even while you’re in transit.
Imagine taking 30 minutes out of your day to meet with your therapist from your living room or during a layover at the airport. Virtual counseling fits into your life, no matter where you are. This flexibility makes it easier to maintain consistency in your mental health care, even when your routine is disrupted by travel or family obligations.
Research-Backed Benefits of Virtual Counseling
Virtual counseling has proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. According to an article in The New York Times, teletherapy has become an essential tool in mental health care, especially during the pandemic. The article highlights how virtual therapy sessions have significantly reduced anxiety and stress for many people, making it a crucial resource for maintaining mental well-being during challenging times (Source: The New York Times, “Teletherapy, Popular in the Pandemic, May Be Here to Stay.” You can read more about it here).
Similarly, Forbes emphasizes that virtual therapy is not only here to stay but is also playing a key role in improving access to mental health services. The flexibility and convenience of online sessions have made it easier for individuals to seek help, especially during high-stress periods such as the holiday season. Virtual therapy offers a practical solution for those who may find it difficult to attend traditional in-person sessions (Source: Forbes, “Virtual Therapy is Here to Stay—And It’s Helping Improve Mental Health.” You can read more about it here).
Additionally, The Washington Post discusses how virtual therapy offers unique benefits, including accessibility and comfort, which contribute to its effectiveness in supporting mental health. The article underscores how this form of therapy has become increasingly popular, especially as people seek convenient ways to manage their mental health (Source: The Washington Post, “The Benefits of Virtual Therapy.” You can read more about it here).
In addition to convenience, virtual counseling provides a unique sense of comfort, allowing clients to engage in therapy from their own space. This familiarity can often lead to more open and productive sessions. Whether you’re managing anxiety, stress, or relationship challenges, virtual therapy is an accessible and effective way to support your mental health during the busy holiday season and beyond.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Virtual Counseling During the Holidays
To get the most out of virtual counseling during this busy season, here are a few actionable tips you can easily implement:
- Set Boundaries with Family and Friends The holidays can bring on extra social obligations, which might lead to burnout. Setting clear boundaries about your time and emotional capacity is essential. Virtual counseling can help you establish and maintain these boundaries while offering support for any discomfort that arises from asserting your needs.
- Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing or grounding exercises can complement your therapy sessions. These tools can help you stay centered between sessions, especially during moments of high stress. Your therapist can guide you through specific techniques tailored to your needs.
- Keep a Routine Try to maintain some level of routine, even with the holiday disruptions. This could mean sticking to a regular sleep schedule, finding time to move your body, or continuing practices that support your mental health, like journaling or meditation. Regular therapy sessions can help reinforce these habits.
- Prioritize Self-Compassion The holidays can sometimes trigger perfectionism or feelings of inadequacy. Counseling can help you nurture self-compassion, allowing you to let go of unrealistic expectations and enjoy the season without added pressure.
Focus on Your Well-being This Holiday Season
While the holiday season is full of excitement, it can also be a time of emotional growth. Virtual counseling offers the opportunity to explore deeper emotions, build resilience, and cultivate mental wellness, even amidst the chaos. Whether you’re managing anxiety, relationship issues, or simply trying to stay grounded, virtual therapy can be a lifeline, offering support wherever you are.
By focusing on calming your nervous system, establishing boundaries, and engaging in consistent self-care, you can transform this busy season into a time of personal growth.
Need Support This Holiday Season?
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious as the holidays approach and need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule time to meet with one of our therapists, and let us help you navigate this busy time with greater ease and calm.
Additional Resources
Our Favorite Apps to De-stress, Relieve Anxiety & Clear Your Mind – Here are a few of our favorite apps that you can download to encourage a calm and peaceful mindset.
Navigating Holiday Anxiety: Finding Serenity Amidst the Chaos – The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness… but for many, it can also bring about holiday anxiety and stress.
A Guide To Prepare For The Holidays : Keep Calm & Holiday On – When it comes to our mental health and stress levels, it’s worth it to prepare yourself before the holidays are here.
Nicolle Osequeda, LMFT, is the founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling in Chicago. As a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, she incorporates Dr. Brené Brown’s research into her therapy. Nicolle holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Illinois and California. She is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT, a member of IAMFT, and the Financial Therapy Association. Nicolle has Gottman Method training and has taught at DePaul University, dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve meaningful change. 
