Building and maintaining healthy relationships is important throughout life. During the holiday, plan family activities that can help strengthen bonds such as outings together or board game nights. Encourage young adults to stay in touch with friends, even if they’re not local. Being away from friends, peer groups, or communities may cause young people to experience loneliness, so remind them to connect through social media, phone calls, or text messages. Give them opportunities to spend time with local friends and family but allow them to also set personal boundaries: let them know they are not obligated to attend every gathering while home. Allow them time to rest and reset.

The holidays can also bring increased career-related stress for young adults, especially those who are searching for work or adjusting to a new role. Encourage them to set aside time for job-related tasks and activities while leaving room for self-care and relaxation. Open conversations about feelings around work or job hunting can also provide support and guidance, which decreases stress and anxiety.

Participating in activities that work the brain is important. Connect and work the brain by organizing family activities such as trivia nights, puzzles, crossword tournaments, book chats, or movie marathons. Exploring new interests or hobbies with our young adults can help foster lifelong learning, create cherished memories, and even establish new traditions.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging for some during the holiday season. Support young adults by encouraging them to exercise regularly and make healthy, nutritious meal choices. Try sharing resources like My Plate for Young Adults, which shares user-friendly, affordable recipes, cooking basics, and healthy tips geared towards young adults. Remember to maintain balance – every meal won’t be perfectly nutritious but focus on making healthier choices and enjoying time gathering and celebrating. Try going on family walks, doing outdoor activities, or cooking meals and desserts together. This can have a positive impact on mood and energy levels for the whole family.

Creating a calming home environment is important for mental wellness, especially during a season full of hustle and bustle. Keeping shared spaces organized and peaceful can make a big impact on everyone, including young people. Create a sense of belonging and support well-being by involving young adults in home projects such as decorating, baking, or raking leaves. Encourage them to spend time outdoors by enjoying a winter walk or engaging in other outdoor activities. This gives them a chance to soak up some vitamin D, strengthen their relationship to nature, and reduce stress.

The holidays can often lead to financial stress for some, especially young adults starting out their independent lives. Try having a conversation about budgeting. This can help ease this stress that some young people may experience during holiday times. Encourage thoughtful and sentimental gift-giving that focuses on experiences rather than material items that can come with a big price tag. Remind them that sentimental gifting fosters meaningful connections, makes cherished memories, and reduces the pressure of holiday spending.