The holiday season can bring unique challenges, especially for athletes wrapping up their final season, recent grads navigating their first fall in the workforce with accumulated debt, or anyone focused on making incremental progress that feels insignificant in the moment. These stressors—financial, professional, and mental—can pile up quickly. The good news? You can address them proactively to set yourself up for success. Here are five common holiday stressors and actionable strategies to tackle them.
5 Holiday Stressors and How to Tackle Them
1. Transitioning Out of Sports. The end of a sports season—or a playing career entirely—often brings uncertainty. This shift can feel overwhelming, especially as you lose the structure and identity tied to your athletic life.
How to Manage It:
- Build Your Network: Start attending industry events, leveraging your connections, and seeking mentors who can guide you into new opportunities like coaching, entrepreneurship, or other fields.
- Explore Your Interests: Test out areas of curiosity through internships, freelancing, or volunteering. The skills you gain will make transitions smoother.
- Use Campus Resources: If you’re a student-athlete, take advantage of career services, resume workshops, and job-shadowing programs.
2. Managing Financial Pressures. The holidays often amplify financial stress, whether it’s holiday shopping, travel expenses, or trying to balance existing debt with limited resources.
How to Manage It:
- Create a Financial Plan: Set realistic goals, whether it’s saving for the future, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund.
- Work with Advisors: If possible, consult a financial advisor familiar with athletes’ unique challenges to help you set a budget and long-term savings plan.
- Save Where You Can: Allocate NIL earnings or side hustle income toward your priorities—saving and debt repayment.
3. Dealing with Debt. For recent grads or early-career professionals, debt—student loans, credit cards, or otherwise—can feel like an ever-present weight.
How to Manage It:
- Prioritize Repayment: Start with high-interest debts while maintaining minimum payments on others.
- Refinance Loans: Explore refinancing options to reduce monthly payments and free up cash flow.
- Automate Payments: Set it and forget it to stay consistent and avoid missed payments.
4. Maintaining Mental Wellness. The intersection of financial pressures, career transitions, and holiday stress can impact your mental health. Acknowledge these feelings and address them early.
How to Manage It:
- Seek Counseling: Look for mental health services tailored to athletes or young professionals. Many organizations provide free or affordable options.
- Build a Routine: Physical activity, journaling, or meditation can help you process emotions and manage stress.
- Lean on Your Support System: Mentors, friends, and peers can provide guidance and reassurance when challenges arise.
5. Feeling Stuck in Small Progress. Making small steps toward financial or professional goals can feel frustratingly insignificant, especially during a season focused on big celebrations and milestones.
How to Manage It:
- Celebrate Wins: Whether you pay off a small loan, complete a certification, or have a meaningful conversation with a mentor, acknowledge and reward yourself for every step forward.
- Focus on What You Can Control: Progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Keep moving forward, even if the gains feel minor.
- Set Micro Goals: Break larger goals into bite-sized actions you can achieve now, building momentum over time.
The holidays are an ideal time to reflect, reset, and take proactive steps to reduce stress. Whether you’re transitioning out of sports, managing early career pressures, or working toward financial freedom, these strategies can help you navigate challenges while building a stronger foundation for your future.
This season, focus on progress—no matter how small. Those little steps add up to meaningful wins over time, setting you up for success well beyond the holidays.