Practice gratitude
Research shows that cultivating gratitude can completely transform your mindset and improve your overall well-being by reducing stress, improving sleep, strengthening your relationships, and boosting your immune system.
Acknowledge your feelings
A gift you can give yourself this year is allowing emotional space for your feelings, whatever they may be. Having a plan in place for when you feel stressed, sad, or lonely can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable. This may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings joy, or watching a favorite movie.
Maintain healthy habits
Try to stick to your regular routines as much as possible, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. Try to aim for at least one relaxing activity each day, such as a short walk, 30 minutes spent unwinding, listening to music, reading, or journaling.
Care for caregivers
The holidays can be particularly challenging for caregivers.
Make a spending plan
One of the biggest holiday stressors for many is finances. Learn how to create a holiday budget so you can fulfill your holiday needs without compromising your finances.
If your mental health struggles become overwhelming, it may be a good idea to reach out for professional support. As an IU employee, you and your family members have 24/7 access to licensed mental health professionals at no cost, as well as options to connect with a provider virtually or in person. Learn what's available in the section below.
SupportLinc EAP
- Call 888-881-LINC (5462) for 24/7 in-the-moment support.
- Register and log in to SupportLinc.com (group code iu) for additional counseling options, including text therapy.
Telehealth
- IU medical plan members have access to licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists through Anthem LiveHealth Online.
Employee health centers
- IU medical plan members also have access to in-person and virtual visits with licensed mental health providers through Marathon Health. Schedule an appointment through their web portal or mobile app.
Digital self-help tools
IU employees and family members can access a wide range of digital self-help tools through SupportLinc EAP by registering and logging in to SupportLinc.com using the group code "iu."
- Holiday Toolkit: Explore a curated collection of tip sheets, videos, inspiration, and more related to mental health and the holidays.
- Mindstream digital fitness studio for your mind: Discover expert wellness and mental health content through Mindstream. This digital platform offers live and on-demand sessions on a wide range of topics, such as mindfulness tips for the holidays and learning how to establish boundaries that align with your new year’s goals.
- Digital cognitive behavioral therapy:Animo is built on the framework of digital cognitive behavioral therapy, which is based on the simple idea that what you think determines your feelings and behavior. These resources can help you address stress, depression or anxiety and proactively boost your mental health by becoming more mindful, sleeping better and developing resilience.
National helplines & resources
The national helplines listed below are also available at any time, even on the holidays.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline (substance use and mental health support): 800-662-HELP (4357)
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
- If you're in need of support but not in crisis, consider reaching out to a warmline. Warmlines offer a place to call when you just need to talk to someone. Speaking to someone on these calls is typically free, confidential, and run by people who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems. Find a warmline at mhanational.org/warmlines.
