Managing Your Mental Health Over the Holidays
The holidays are a time associated with joy, fun, family, friends, and an overall sense of connection. However, as fun as the holiday season can be, it can also bring up feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. During a time when it is expected to be cheerful 24/7, financial pressure, social obligations, and tense family situations can make the holiday season feel like you are trying to survive versus thrive.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to manage your mental health throughout the holiday season.
Protect Your Peace
The holidays are often a time when family and friends come together to celebrate and reconnect, sometimes for the first time all year. However, this can sometimes bring about tension, especially if there are unresolved conflicts or differences in viewpoints (such as with politics or religion). It is important to protect your peace and establish emotional boundaries to protect your mental health. This may mean reducing or limiting the amount of time you spend in these situations or setting and agreeing to clear and respectful boundaries with all parties. If a stressful situation does arise, it is okay to step away and remove yourself from the situation if it begins to be too much.
It’s Okay To Say ‘No’
The holiday season can bring along a very busy social calendar. With various family and work parties, grabbing drinks with long-time friends, and other seasonal events, it can be easy to feel incredibly overwhelmed very quickly. While there may be a lot of pressure to say “yes” to every party or participate in the work gift exchange, it is important to know your limits and know that it is okay to say “no” occasionally. Whether an event does not line up with your schedule or you need a night to yourself, saying “no” and respecting your boundaries can give you a way to breathe and recharge. Those who love you will completely understand that you cannot attend every social engagement and will give you the space you need to reenergize for the next holiday event.
Set Your Expectations Appropriately
Here is a harsh reality, the holiday season is not a Hallmark movie. While it may be fun to watch the wildly successful career woman return to her small hometown for the holidays and fall in love with the hunky and charming local man who helps her rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, life does not often imitate the movies. Setting too high expectations and striving for a picture-perfect holiday season can lead to disappointment when things do not turn out as planned. Instead of striving for perfection, set realistic expectations for yourself and others around you. Remember, not everything needs to go absolutely perfect in order for you to have an exciting and fun holiday season! Be flexible and focus on creating beautiful memories during this time.
Come Up With A Financial Plan
The holiday season can be extremely expensive, especially if you participate in many gift-exchanges with family, friends, and co-workers. Often people feel pressured to give the perfect gift, or to purchase an item just because it’s on sale. However, this can lead to overspending and put financial strain on an individual. Before the holiday season picks up, sit down and create a realistic budget and stick to it. Look for ways to reduce the amount of spending you make and prioritize meaningful and affordable gifts. Make homemade gifts or suggest gift-swaps with a smaller budget that everyone needs to stick to. Remember, quality over quantity is always in style!
Maintain Your Healthy Habits
Often the holidays are busy and a time of indulgence, which is perfectly fine! However, if you feel like the drastic change in your daily life is getting to you, maintaining some balance and routine is key. Ensure that you try to get enough sleep, keep up with your exercise routine, and eat nutritious meals (but remember to treat yourself as well!). Engaging in regular and healthy habits can stabilize your physical and mental wellbeing, keeping your mood and energy levels stable.
Lean On Your Support System
While the holiday season is joyful, it can also bring about a lot of stress, sadness, and reflection, especially as the year comes to a close. Those who live away from close family and friends or those who have lost a loved one or going through a breakup may feel lonely and isolated. Remember to express your emotions versus holding them inside. Reach out to your support system, whether it’s a trusted family member, friend, support group, or therapist and remember that you do not have to struggle alone.
Give Yourself Grace
Remember, not every day is going to be perfect, and everyone has days where they may not feel in the holiday spirit. Give yourself grace and compassion throughout the entire holiday season, especially on the rough days. Take some time to recharge and indulge in self-care, whether it’s going for a run, taking a bubble bath, or binging your latest Netflix obsession.
The holiday season is a time of joyfulness and reflection, but it can also have its challenges and ups and downs. Navigating the season can be difficult, but setting realistic expectations, maintaining a routine, leaning on your support system, and practicing self-care can help protect your mental health and wellbeing. Remember, the holiday season is just another season in life, so prioritizing yourself is important as you navigate these next few months. For more resources, check out the Hearts 4 Minds Reference Library.
