December is almost over and the holidays are in full swing. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to stay happy and have a good time during the holidays; after all, it is the season of being merry and bright. It isn’t always that easy, however. For some, the holidays act as a reminder of how much they have lost and how lonely they are.

“We do see an increase in depression during this time of year for a variety of reasons,” says geriatrician Dr. Renee Abueg in a recent UCI Health article. “Combined with the stresses of daily life, the holidays and the expectations around them add pressure on our time, finances and even our health.”

Although the holiday may not look as it once did, with a few small lifestyle adjustments the season can still be meaningful.

The first thing to remember is the holiday doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s okay if your holidays look different from past years or if traditions have changed. Look at small changes you can make to make the holidays less overwhelming for you — and if you do notice yourself getting overwhelmed give yourself a minute to step back and breathe. Allow yourself grace to feel whatever emotions the holidays bring up, but don’t let them take over your day.

Hydration and proper nutrition are incredibly important as the days get shorter. Make sure to drink water throughout

the day and to nourish your body, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein are essential parts of a balanced diet and should not be forgotten during the holidays. Additionally, staying active should still be a priority even when it is cold outside. Try moving your exercises inside when possible and make sure to properly bundle up when outdoors.

The holidays don’t have to be a lonely time. Focus on staying connected with others by seeing friends, talking to family, and getting out of the house. Try a new hobby, work at the library, or visit your local JABA Community Center for social engagement and the chance to try new activities.

Finally, remember the holidays are about giving back. Helping others is a great way to boost your mood. Many nonprofits and religious organizations have a huge demand for volunteers during the holidays, reach out to them and see how you can help. You could also assist a friend with holiday prep, help your neighbor bring in the additional holiday mail, or donate canned food to your local food pantry. No matter how big or small the task you will make a huge difference in multiple lives.

While the holidays can bring about feelings of joy and togetherness, it can also be a challenging time for many. It is important to address these feelings, both the good and the bad, rather than trying to ignore them. By making small changes to our expectations and routines, staying connected with others, maintaining healthy habits and self-care, and giving back to the community we can create a meaningful holiday experience.

Ty Mynes is a writer and marketing specialist at JABA. This article originally appeared in C-Ville Weekly.