The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and cheer. For many people, however, the season also comes with intensified feelings of loss, loneliness or ennui. While self-care is an important habit any time of the year, you may need a little extra TLC around the holidays. Here are some tips for giving yourself an extra boost.

Recognize the Need

Some people cope with their feelings about difficult situations by simply buckling down and pushing through them. That's a lot to ask for a whole season, though. One of the kindest things you can do for yourself during the holidays is to simply acknowledge that they are hard for you. There are many factors that can make a time that's supposed to be happy challenging:

• Loss of a loved one, particularly someone with whom you typically celebrated the holiday
• Being single during a season that seems to be designed primarily for couples or families
• Seasonal depression that sets in as the days get shorter
• Disappointment with how the year has turned out

In addition to personal difficulties, there are also external stressors. Budgeting for gifts or special meals can add to financial strain. Working holiday plans into a busy schedule can also be a challenge. If nothing else, the ever-present pressure to be jolly throughout the season can take a toll on the psyche. As with any problem, recognizing that it exists is the first step to making a plan for how to address it.

Talk to Someone

A common mistake that tends to exacerbate the holiday blues is trying to get through them alone. Processing difficult feelings out loud with another person can help alleviate some of your suffering. If you have a therapist, bring up these issues during your next session. You may even want to schedule extra sessions during times you know are likely to be particularly challenging. No problem that affects your well-being is too small to bring to the attention of your mental health care provider.

Another way your therapist may be able to help is by referring you to peer support groups in your area. These groups provide a safe space for venting frustrations. Remember to check in with friends to receive and give extra relational support. Just having someone else take the time to listen can do you some good.

Give Yourself Space

It's tempting to make grand plans and set lofty expectations for the holiday season. After all, there are a lot of great ideas out there for making celebrations more memorable or festive. They are particularly alluring when people you care about are enthusiastic about them. When the time comes to actually put those ideas into action, though, you may experience overwhelm and stress. These feelings don't mean you have failed; they probably are just indications that you have too much on your plate.

Rather than trying to fill every spare moment with a meaningful event, try a different approach. Leave some space open. If turning down invitations and opportunities is not one of your strengths, try actually putting downtime on your calendar. That way, you can honestly say that you have already made plans, which may give your soul the extra permission it needs for you to feel like you can bow out gracefully. Whatever it takes to safeguard the sacred spare time you have, it's worth the effort.

The holiday season may be a busy time, but that doesn't mean you are obligated to let it steamroll you. Taking responsibility for self-care helps you handle the inevitable stressors that come your way. It may even help you remember why you celebrate the season and enjoy it.