We are all ready to say goodbye to the worst year any of us can remember. Everything that converged in 2020 made caring for mental health a challenge, and those dynamics are not letting up during the holiday season. 

But what if we could finish the year strong, instead of stumbling across the finish line? Whether you’re feeling like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch, approaching the coming month intentionally and thoughtfully will put you in a position to launch into 2021 from a firm foundation. And the good news is that there are rhythms and symbols in this season that are tailor-made to support you in that effort. 

Here are the principles I’ll be using to manage my mental health this holiday season.