While the holiday season can be a meaningful time to reconnect with loved ones and recharge, healthcare remains one of the few industries that doesn’t slow down. In fact, as many nurses can attest, holiday nursing stress can be especially challenging.
Many nurses are drawn to caregiving roles out of a deep desire to support the sick and vulnerable members of society. But during the holidays, this work can feel even more emotionally taxing. Many patients would rather be home with family, and nurses often spend extended time with them, making patient experiences even more personal.
The expectation to give, both professionally and personally, is amplified during this season of giving. As a result, nurses may find themselves emotionally and physically drained, with little energy left to enjoy the holidays themselves.
If you’re a nurse navigating the demands of the holidays, these strategies can help manage stress and restore a sense of balance.
5 tips for managing holiday nursing stress
Recognizing your emotional limits and embracing a grounded approach to the season can go a long way in protecting your well-being during this busy time.
1. Stay realistic and honest
While the holidays often come with pressure to be extra cheerful, adopting a realistic mindset can help you manage expectations. Mental health challenges such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) tend to increase during the winter months, according to some studies.
Recognizing that this time of year isn’t joyful for everyone, and that you’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed, is important. Be honest with yourself about your emotional needs and remain alert to signs of nursing stress in both yourself and others. This self-awareness can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
2. Remember the bigger picture
When things feel especially chaotic, remind yourself that the holiday season is only a few weeks out of the entire year. When feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, remember to take a deep breath and know that the chaos will pass.
It's also important to keep in mind that not all friends, coworkers, or family members celebrate the same holidays as you might, and they should never feel pressured to participate in activities or traditions that make them feel left out or uncomfortable. Some hospitals make an effort to include staff with different backgrounds and traditions by promoting a "December potluck" or lunch rather than labeling it as a specific holiday celebration.
3. Plan ahead where possible
Although planning ahead is always a good idea, it's perhaps never more helpful than during the holiday season. Taking simple steps to make to-do lists or getting things done ahead of time will help keep nurses (or anyone in general) more organized and present during the holidays.
Keeping a calendar of holiday events and commitments is another simple but effective way to stay organized. Prioritize the activities you truly want to attend, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that may overwhelm your schedule. Being intentional about your time will help you feel more present and less overextended.
4. Be mindful with giving
The extra shifts and holiday pay can become enticing for nurses, especially those looking to give expensive gifts to friends and family. Caregivers often become overly ambitious and sign up for multiple overtime or holiday shifts, only to become overfatigued and left scrambling to find a replacement at the last minute — inevitably creating more stress for themselves and even their colleagues trying to fill the shifts.
It's important to remember that while you might have the best of intentions with earning extra pay by picking up overtime or holiday shifts, the gift of your time and your presence (as opposed to presents) is what your friends and family cherish most.
5. Listen to your body
The holiday season brings more nursing stress, more travel, and generally less rest. Combined with the peak of cold and flu season, it's incredibly important for nurses to take extra measures to stay healthy. Staying active, hydrated, and well rested are key.
But remember to take the time to stay centered and focused within yourself, whether through meditation or even just a quick practice of 10 to 15 deep breaths and relaxation. Your mind and body know best, so stay mindful of what you need.
Final thoughts on managing nursing stress
“Nurses truly deserve so much grace during the holiday season,” said Felicia Sadler, MJ, BSN, RN, CPHQ, LSSBB, Vice President of Quality and Clinical Workforce Development at Relias. “Aside from managing additional activities and hectic schedules, prioritizing your own well-being is key.”
Sadler added, “Your compassion and commitment during the most challenging times will be remembered by your patients. Be kind to yourself and your fellow nurses, knowing that stress and emotions can be heightened during this time of year.”
As the holidays unfold, remember that caring for others begins with caring for yourself. Whether you're working long shifts, picking up extra hours, or simply navigating the emotional weight this season can bring, give yourself permission to rest, reset, and reach out when needed. Your presence makes a difference, not just in the care you provide, but in the warmth, comfort, and compassion you bring to every patient interaction.
