With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, and Mariah Carey coming out of her annual hibernation, it’s supposedly the most wonderful time of the year. However, this time of year can often be fraught with anxiety and stress for many. This article includes 6 helpful mental health tips to get you through the holidays.

People care for themselves in all sorts of different ways. The “healthy” ways that we often talk about such as yoga, meditation, and getting enough sleep are usually a slow burn. But what about the unorthodox methods people turn to for immediate gratification?

After a stressful day of work, many unwind with a stiff drink. Have a fight with your partner? A joint could take the edge off. Out partying and feeling socially awkward? No surer way to bond with your fellow partygoers than to share a line or two of coke. The short-term effects of alcohol and other substances can be euphoric; if they weren’t, you wouldn’t be using them. Although you may feel better in the moment, used in excess, these do more harm than good long-term. This article will focus on what to do if you find that you’re using substances and alcohol in a way that is not healthy and steps to take if you want to cut back or quit entirely.