December Mental Health Check-In

The countdown to 2025 begins now. For the next 31 days, we’ll shop for gifts, celebrate the holidays, and navigate the final month of the year. While gearing up for Christmas and New Year's is exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. The holidays can be tough if you don’t enjoy spending time with extended family or if you feel the pressure to come up with a list of New Year’s resolutions. Instead of getting stressed, take this time to check in with yourself.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• How am I feeling right now?

• What am I looking forward to this month?

• What am I dreading this month?

• What am I grateful for?

• How can I show up for myself so I don’t feel overwhelmed by family gatherings, the new year, or earlier sunsets?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions. Write your answers in a journal, in the notes app on your phone, or simply make a mental note. The goal is to sit with your feelings and become more in tune with your emotional state.

Shorter Days, Longer Nights

Family gatherings and New Year’s resolutions aren’t the only things that can dampen the winter mood. The earlier sunsets, which give us longer, darker nights, can also make it harder to enjoy evening activities. You might normally enjoy a walk after work, meeting up with friends, or hanging out at the beach. But when the sun sets earlier, it’s tempting to call it a day by 5 p.m., even when there's still plenty of life to be lived after dark.

Instead of cutting out the things you love, challenge yourself to keep doing them. If you typically take an evening walk, try moving it to the morning. The sun may set earlier, but it also rises earlier, so you can take advantage of early mornings. Whether you're a morning person or not, set a few alarms to help you get up and enjoy your walk. You won’t regret it.

The Central Coast has many beautiful walking spots. Try strolling around Orcutt Community Park, Waller Park, Avila Beach, Bob Jones Trail, Pismo Preserve, or Monarch Butterfly Grove. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for a super-early hike to the top of Madonna Mountain or Bishops Peak. Don’t let the earlier darkness stop you from doing what you love.

New Ideas for Your Evening Routine

If you're not able to continue your usual activities after dark, try incorporating new ones into your evening routine. Perfect your skincare regimen, tackle a puzzle, learn how to crochet, or binge-watch the movies you’ve been meaning to see. There are plenty of ways to make the most of the longer nights.

Managing Holiday Stress

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious this December, create a holiday bucket list with no more than eight things you want to do. These don’t have to be new activities—they can be things you typically do in the summer or activities that bring you joy. Checking in with yourself throughout the month will help you decide what areas to focus on so you can enjoy December and approach 2025 with a clear mindset and excitement for the new year.