Navigating the hustle and bustle of the holidays can feel challenging even if we began the season feeling healthy, supported and centered, which isn’t the case for many, if not most, of us. It can be difficult to manage the stress of trying to get everything done in a short month and making sure that everyone’s needs are being met. Family gatherings can also trigger old wounds, especially if you have a strained relationship with a member of your family. Many people feel lonely during this season, and it’s not uncommon for people who are still grieving the loss of a loved one to experience a sense of emptiness. These feelings and more can be compounded for people struggling with depression. Holiday depression creates feelings of heaviness and loneliness that that the holidays often compound.

The good news is that there are things you can do over the next few weeks—and all year, really—that can help you mitigate stress and take care of yourself when feelings of anxiety, sadness and loneliness start to heighten. The following six tips can help you navigate feelings of holiday depression.

Do what you want to do

So often, especially during the holidays, we find ourselves doing things that we feel we have to do, rather than those things that we want to do. These may include hosting a party, spending time with family rather than friends or giving so much of your time that you feel depleted. When feelings of stress arise, slow down and reflect on what would feel good to you. Maybe that means turning a party into a potluck, spending just two hours rather than five at a family function or politely saying no to helping with tasks that you just don’t have the time or energy to give to.

Engage in proper self-care

Take extra good care of yourself during this season. If you have an exercise routine, do you best to stick to it. And, while it can be tempting to indulge in fatty foods and sweets, try to mitigate the effects of holiday foods by ensuring that you get plenty of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods. Also, allow yourself the time get proper rest so that you’re not running on empty.

Ask for help when you need it

While holidays are a time for giving, giving too much can wear anyone down. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Ask for help from family and friends. Most people will be happy to pitch in. Find a balance between giving and receiving.

Surround yourself with people you enjoy

It’s as simple as that. Spend your time with friends and family members who are supportive and you feel good around. If you feel like you have to spend time around people who make you feel uncomfortable, maintain healthy boundaries and keep the time spent with them short.

If you’re alone during the holidays, being of service can lift your mood. Volunteer. Giving can create positive feelings and in volunteering, you can meet new people. You could also create a potluck or a party of your own. Reach out to other’s whom you know or suspect may be planning to spend the holidays on their own.

Create a new tradition to honor and celebrate a lost loved one

Celebrating the holidays while grieving the death of a loved one can be a sad and lonely experience. If you’re struggling with grief, surround yourself with people who are supportive and who may also be feeling the loss. You can try mitigating sadness by creating a new tradition that honors your lost loved one or spend time with friends and family telling funny stories about the person you miss. Grief is a tough one. It truly does take time, and everyone grieves differently.

Practice gratitude

So often we are consumed with thoughts about what we do not have, rather than thoughts about all that we do have. And, you can be thankful for small things – like having healthy food to eat, that you get up and get things done everyday or that the Sun is shining. When we change our thoughts, it often changes how we feel. Give yourself the gift of gratitude this year. You may thank yourself for it.