The end of the year isn't always synonymous with pure joy. For many people, December is filled with expectations, personal reflections, social pressure, and a packed schedule. Taking care of your mental health at this time is just as important as taking care of your body, especially when emotional exhaustion accumulates.

Overstimulation is one of the biggest challenges: constant commitments, noise, screens, comparisons, and messages of "mandatory happiness." Taking conscious breaks, reducing digital exposure, and allowing for moments of silence helps decrease anxiety and reconnect with the present.

It's also common to experience self-critical thoughts related to unmet goals or decisions made during the year. Practicing self-compassion, acknowledging achievements—however small they may seem—and letting go of the "should" narrative can significantly alleviate this mental burden.

Getting enough sleep, maintaining relatively stable schedules, and setting aside time for calming activities like reading or writing all help regulate the nervous system. The mind needs rest to process emotions and adapt to the changes that come with this season.

Taking care of your mental health at the end of the year is an act of courage. Allowing yourself to feel, setting boundaries, and prioritizing emotional well-being lays the foundation for starting the new year with greater clarity, balance, and inner strength.