How Digital Mental Health Tools Help Manage Holiday and Post-Holiday Stress

Holiday and post-holiday stress can affect mental health. Learn how digital mental health tools like wellness apps, telehealth, and coaching can help.

By Dr. Donald Tavakoli, UnitedHealthcare National Medical Director for Behavioral Health
Health Advice Hub
January 6, 2026

HEALTH — The holiday season is supposed to be joyful. It’s filled with traditions, gatherings, and time with people we care about. But for many individuals and families, the weeks during and after the holidays can also bring stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of burnout that lingers well into the new year.

Between family dynamics, financial pressure, travel, social expectations, and disrupted routines, holiday and post-holiday stress is more common than many people realize. The good news is that help is more accessible than ever. Digital mental health resources now play a critical role in helping people manage holiday stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being—on their own time and from virtually anywhere.

Why Holiday and Post-Holiday Stress Is So Common

Holiday stress doesn’t always disappear when the decorations come down. In fact, many people experience increased anxiety or low mood after the holidays due to:

• Emotional letdown once celebrations end

• Financial strain from holiday spending

• Exhaustion from travel and social commitments

• Difficulty returning to regular routines

• Ongoing family or relationship challenges

These pressures can affect sleep, mood, focus, and overall mental health. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward managing them effectively.

How Digital Mental Health Resources Support Emotional Well-Being

Digital mental health tools have transformed how people access behavioral health care. Whether you’re managing mild stress or need ongoing support, digital options provide flexible, private, and evidence-based ways to care for your mental health during the holidays and beyond.

These tools are especially helpful when schedules are unpredictable or when in-person appointments aren’t practical.

Wellness Apps: On-Demand Support for Holiday Stress and Anxiety

Wellness applications are one of the most widely used digital mental health resources for managing holiday-related stress. Apps such as Calm Health offer easy access to self-guided tools designed to support emotional well-being.

Common features include:

• Guided mindfulness and meditation exercises

• Breathing techniques for stress and anxiety relief

• Sleep support and relaxation tools

• Mental health screenings to identify emotional needs

• Personalized programs focused on stress management

For individuals experiencing low to moderate holiday stress, wellness apps can be an effective way to stay grounded, improve sleep, and build healthy coping habits during a busy season.

Virtual Behavioral Coaching: Personalized Support During High-Stress Moments

Virtual behavioral coaching provides real-time, one-on-one guidance from trained professionals who specialize in stress management and emotional resilience.

This type of support can be especially helpful for people dealing with:

• Family conflict during the holidays

• Social anxiety around gatherings and events

• Emotional overwhelm or irritability

• Difficulty setting boundaries

A virtual behavioral coach can offer practical strategies to manage emotions, navigate difficult conversations, and approach holiday challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

Telehealth Mental Health Services: Care That Travels With You

Telehealth has become an essential option for mental health care, particularly during the holiday season when travel and schedule disruptions are common.

Through telehealth, individuals can:

• Connect with licensed therapists or counselors remotely

• Maintain continuity of care while traveling

• Access professional mental health support when in-person visits aren’t possible

Telehealth ensures that mental health care remains accessible, consistent, and responsive—no matter where the holidays take you.

Plan Ahead to Reduce Holiday and Post-Holiday Stress

One of the most effective ways to manage holiday stress is to be proactive. If you know this time of year tends to be challenging, planning ahead can make a meaningful difference.

Consider these steps:

• Talk with your primary care provider or therapist before stress escalates

• Explore digital mental health benefits through your health plan

• Identify wellness apps or telehealth services you can use when needed

Preparing early helps prevent stress from becoming overwhelming and allows you to focus on what matters most.

Why Prioritizing Mental Health During and After the Holidays Matters

The holidays are meant to be meaningful, not exhausting. When mental health is overlooked, stress can overshadow moments of connection and joy. Prioritizing emotional well-being supports:

• Better mood and emotional balance

• Improved sleep and energy

• Stronger relationships

• A smoother transition into the new year

Caring for your mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of overall well-being.

Take Action: Use Digital Mental Health Tools to Support Your Well-Being

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday or post-holiday stress, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Digital mental health resources—including wellness apps, virtual behavioral coaching, and telehealth services—offer practical, flexible support designed to meet you where you are.

For more information about available mental health resources and support options, visit UHC.com.

By making mental health a priority and using digital tools proactively, you can manage stress more effectively and start the new year with greater balance and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Holiday Stress With Digital Resources

What are the best wellness apps for managing holiday stress and anxiety?

Apps such as Calm Health, Headspace, and Insight Timer offer mindfulness, relaxation, and sleep tools that help reduce stress and support emotional well-being during the holidays.

How does virtual behavioral coaching help with family-related holiday stress?

Virtual behavioral coaching provides personalized strategies for managing emotional triggers, improving communication, and staying calm during challenging family interactions.

Is telehealth effective for mental health care during the holidays?

Yes. Telehealth allows individuals to continue therapy or access professional mental health support from anywhere, even while traveling or managing a busy holiday schedule.