Finding Peace in the Waiting: Mental Wellness for the Advent Season
As the days grow shorter and the lights of Christmas begin to appear, Advent invites us into something countercultural: slowing down. In a world that prizes productivity and instant gratification, Advent teaches us how to wait — not with frustration, but with hope. In therapy, we do something similar-creating space to notice, to heal, and to hope.
Waiting can be challenging though. For many, this season stirs anxiety, grief, or a sense of “not being enough.” Between family expectations, financial stress, and the weight of world events, the quiet beauty of Advent can be easy to miss.
That’s why this season can also be a gentle time to care for your mental and emotional health, to prepare not just your home for Christmas, but your heart.
Here are a few themes we can try to focus on:
Hope — Seeing Light in Small Places
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13
Hope doesn’t deny difficulty; it believes that light can still break through. From a mental wellness perspective, hope grows when we practice reframing — noticing what is still good or possible, even in small ways.
Helpful tip: Write down moments of goodness from your day. It might be a kind word, a moment of rest, or simply getting through something challenging. Naming these glimpses of light helps train your mind to notice grace even in uncertainty.
Reflection: Where have I seen small signs of hope this week?
Peace — Calming a Restless Mind
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”— Philippians 4:7
Peace isn’t about having everything under control, it’s about knowing you’re held, even when life feels chaotic.
Helpful tip: Engage in a simple way to nurture inner peace through breath prayer. Just a few minutes of slow, mindful breathing can reduce stress and re-center your spirit in God’s presence.
As you inhale, pray quietly, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you.”
As you exhale, pray, “Take care of everything.”
Reflection: What helps me feel God’s peace when my mind feels crowded?
Joy — Rediscovering Everyday Gratitude
“For rejoicing in the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
Joy is not constant happiness. It is a deeper, more enduring state of contentment that can exist alongside challenges. It is the quiet strength that comes from gratitude and connection. Gratitude rewires the brain toward positivity. Spiritually, gratitude helps us notice God’s faithfulness in our ordinary days.
Helpful tip: Try naming three things you’re grateful for today — however small. The smell of coffee, a comforting verse, a friend who texted. These small recognitions can become steady lights in your day.
Reflection: What simple moments bring me joy right now?
Love — Extending Kindness to Yourself and Others
“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19
Love is at the heart of the Christmas story — but sometimes it’s the hardest thing to receive.
Helpful tip: If you struggle with self-criticism or exhaustion, Advent can be a time to practice gentle self-compassion. Speak to yourself as kindly as you would to someone you love. Rest when you need to. Allow yourself to be human. Then, let that compassion overflow — through a kind word, a listening ear, or a simple act of service.
Reflection: How can I love from a place of rest, not pressure?