How Can Nurses Cope with Holiday Stress?

The Unique Challenge of Holiday Stress for Nurses

Most people experience some level of holiday stress, but nurse holiday stress is often on an entirely different level. 

While others celebrate, nurses are often caring for patients who need support the most during the season. Between longer shifts, higher patient volume, staffing shortages, and managing their own family responsibilities, the pressure can quickly escalate into overwhelm. 

The good news? With the right strategies, mindset, and support, nurses can find balance and work towards nurse burnout prevention—without sacrificing their well-being or their long-term goals.

Coping with Holiday Stress: Practical Strategies for Staying Centered, Supported, and Strong

Wondering how nurses can cope with holiday stress? These real-world holiday stress tips for nurses can help you move through the season with more calm and control.

1. Prioritize Rest Like It’s Non-Negotiable

Sleep can feel impossible during the holidays, but it’s the foundation of your emotional and physical resilience. Try these techniques to get better sleep:

• Set a consistent wind-down routine after shifts
• Use blackout curtains or a white-noise app for daytime rest
• Avoid caffeine within six hours of sleep
• Keep a notepad by your bed to offload mental clutter

Even small improvements in sleep quality can drastically reduce stress levels.

2. Keep Firm Boundaries—Even When It’s Hard

Nurses often feel obligated to say “yes” to everything—extra shifts, family events, school functions. But boundaries create space for recovery and help prevent nurse burnout.

You can say things like:

• “I’m not available this time, but I’d love to plan something after the holidays.”
• “I need this day for rest so I can be fully present at work.”

Remember: preserving your energy is not selfish. It’s essential to safe patient care.

3. Create Micro-Moments of Self-Care

You may not get long spa days or hours of alone time, but micro-self-care is just as powerful. Try these self-care tips:

• 60-second breathing resets
• Hydrating and stretching between tasks
• Listening to uplifting audio on the way to work
• Keeping a small “comfort kit” (tea bags, lip balm, hand lotion, snacks)

Small actions compound—and help reverse the stress cycle. Taking a minute that is just for you will be more beneficial in the long run than if you keep pushing through and begin to burnout. 

4. Stay Connected to Supportive People

Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of reduced burnout. Reach out to:

• Your nurse friends who understand the schedule
• Family members who support your goals
• Online communities for working adults and nursing students

Even short check-ins can help you feel grounded and less alone during the busy season.

5. Adjust Expectations—Not Everything Has to Be Perfect

It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything the “perfect” holiday way—perfect meals, perfect decorations, perfect gift-giving. But perfection adds unnecessary pressure.

Give yourself permission to:

• Simplify meals
• Shop online instead of in-store
• Delegate when possible
• Say no to optional activities

Your energy is valuable and can be spread thin this time of year—spend it intentionally.

6. Practice Gratitude (Even in Small Doses)

Gratitude is scientifically proven to reduce stress and boost mood—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Try listing:

• 3 things that went well during your shift
• 1 person who made your day easier
• 1 thing you’re proud of accomplishing

This small practice of gratitude creates a mental shift toward perspective and positivity.

7. Don’t Neglect Your Long-Term Goals

The holidays can make any extra responsibility feel overwhelming—especially if you’re a nurse working toward becoming an RN or advancing your education.

But staying committed to your long-term career goals can actually reduce stress by giving you a sense of direction and control.

How Achieve Test Prep Helps Nurses Reduce Stress During Busy Seasons

If you’re completing prerequisite courses or working toward earning an RN, Achieve Test Prep can help lighten your load with nursing education support including:

• Flexible online classes that fit around holiday shifts
• Live instructors who keep you accountable
• Support from Achieve advisors who help you stay on track
• Shorter, faster paths that prevent burnout
• Test-prep strategies that save you time and stress

Instead of putting your goals on hold, you can keep making progress in an RN Bridge program without draining your energy. 

8. Seek Professional Support When Needed

If the stress becomes overwhelming, it’s OK to reach out for help. Consider connecting with:

• An Employee Assistant Program (EAP) counselor 
• A therapist familiar with nurse burnout
• Support groups for nurses
• Trusted mental health apps

You cannot pour anything from an empty cup. Seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

You Deserve Peace This Season

As a nurse, you give of yourself all year long. During the holidays, that generosity can stretch even further. By prioritizing rest, boundaries, connection, and realistic expectations, you can move through the season with more balance and less stress.

And if one of your goals is earning your RN or advancing your nursing education, Achieve Test Prep is here to support you every step of the way—through the holidays and beyond.

Because caring for yourself is the first step in caring for everyone else.