15 ways PR pros can unwind and recharge during the holidays

Lindsey Bradshaw is founder of PRos Against Su*cide, and a freelance PR consultant.

The stats on mental health in the PR industry are staggering. But where are the resources for PR pros seeking mental health support?

• 90% of PR professionals reported experiencing mental health challenges.
• 67% identified overwhelming workloads as a key stressor.
• 61% felt guilty taking time off for mental health reasons, while 40% never disclosed their struggles at work.

The holidays can feel more like a continuation of the grind than a true break. But taking time to reset is essential for your mental health and professional success.

These 15 tips combine practical self-care with creative, PR-inspired strategies to help you make the most of your downtime.

1. Treat your family like a case study

Use your storytelling skills to dive into your family’s year. Ask about their “key milestones” and “biggest challenges,” then draft a mock press release or “Year in Review” post for fun.

2. Establish clear boundaries

Communicate your holiday schedule to clients and colleagues early. Set up email auto-responders and trust your team to handle any urgent needs. Boundaries are the gift you give yourself.

3. Write for joy

Take time to write something just for fun. It could be a holiday poem, a fictional crisis plan for an overcooked turkey or a whimsical pitch for Santa’s rebranding.

4. Practice a digital detox

Carve out specific times to unplug from email and social media. Replace the screen time with journaling, reading or spending time outdoors.

5. Craft your personal brand statement

Reflect on your professional and personal goals for 2025. Write a mission statement or tagline for yourself. Something that inspires you to be your best self in the new year.

6. Build a gratitude media list

Create a “VIP” list of people who’ve supported you this year — mentors, clients, or colleagues. Send thank-you notes or thoughtful messages to show your appreciation.

7. Celebrate small wins

Write a list of your accomplishments from 2024, big and small. Share them with someone who supports you or simply keep them as a reminder of how far you’ve come.

8. Turn holiday stress into a PR challenge

Create a lighthearted crisis comms plan for unexpected holiday stress, like last-minute shopping or family disagreements. This adds humor to the season and keeps your problem-solving sharp.

9. Treat self-care like a campaign

Plan self-care activities the way you’d plan a PR campaign. Schedule time for activities that recharge you. Whether it’s yoga, a long walk, or binge-watching your favorite holiday movies.

10. Host a holiday brainstorm

Get creative with loved ones by brainstorming “new traditions” or the “wildest holiday celebration ideas.” It’s a fun way to bond and keep your brainstorming skills fresh.

11. Schedule a mini digital spring cleaning

Clear out old emails, organize your desktop or tidy up your workspace. A fresh start is an excellent way to prepare for the year ahead.

12. Say no to overcommitment

It’s okay to decline extra holiday tasks or events. Protecting your time and energy ensures you can fully enjoy the commitments you’re responsible for.

13. Design a vision board for 2025

Cut out magazine clippings or create a digital collage of goals and aspirations for the new year. It’s a creative and relaxing activity that sets the tone for success.

14. Reflect on your ‘why’

Take some quiet time to reconnect with the purpose behind your work. Why do you love PR? What impact do you want to have? This reflection can reignite your passion.

15. Connect with your community

Join a professional gathering, like the PRos Against Su*cide meetup this December, to bond with peers who understand the industry’s unique pressures. Shared experiences can offer a sense of support and belonging.

By blending practical self-care with creative approaches, you can recharge for 2025 while staying true to your PR roots. Remember: prioritizing yourself is the best strategy for long-term success.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’re managing your mental health this holiday season. Join PRosAgainstS@gmail.com.