Prioritize Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Where did time go? The holiday season is already upon us! For many, holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year” and commonly associated with happiness, laughter, and celebration. However, it can also be an emotional and stressful time of the year for others. There is often an implicit expectation that everyone should enjoy holidays, which may pressure some to feel like they have to create a picture-perfect holiday experience for them and others.

While some people derive joy and thrive during the planning and organizing of events, decorations, and gift-buying, others may find it challenging to navigate all of the above while stile carrying on with their daily responsibilities, or may even struggle financially with increased expenses. Holidays are also associated with spending time with family and loved ones, yet not everyone may be able to do that, which may amplify feelings of loneliness or isolation. Similarly, this time of the year may also highlight feelings of grief or sadness for those who have lost a loved one.

Here are 8 tips that may help safeguard your mental health this season:

• Manage your Time by Setting Realistic Expectations: Holidays tend to be characterized by a million events packed into a few weeks! Plan and prioritize, and be okay with saying “No” if it will prevent you from over committing or exceeding your time, energy, or financial resources. 
• Reach out for Support: If you are feeling lonely, reach out to friends or family or find ways to interact with the community, perhaps by volunteering or attending public events.
• Budget Wisely: Reduce your financial stress by not overspending and sticking to a budget. Shifting the focus from material gifts to meaningful experiences is also good for your wallet and for your soul!
• Beware of Overindulgence: Festivities are typically packed with desserts, large meals, and excessive alcohol. Be mindful of staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, and monitoring alcohol intake.
• Establish Healthy Boundaries: If family dynamics are a source of stress, defuse the fireworks by clearly communicating your needs and focus on finding a common ground. If necessary, find ways to minimize your exposure.
• Relax and Unwind: Don’t forget to engage in meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises that help you refocus and manage the stress.
• Be Grateful: Often times, disappointment comes from a disconnect between what our reality is and our expectation of what it should be, or what we have versus what we think we should have. Writing down a list of things to be grateful for may help provide a more balanced view, and increased appreciation for the positive aspects of our life.
• Professional Help: If you notice that the holidays feel overwhelming and excessively stressful to the point that it is beginning to impact your mental health, seek support from a mental health professional. Contact us if you wish to speak with an experienced clinician who may be able to help.

Here’s to a holiday season with a strong focus on prioritizing your mental health!