Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season

It seems like the second we wake up on the first day of November, we constantly hear about the approaching holiday season. Despite the fact that we still have piles of uneaten Halloween candy and Jack-O-Lanterns still sitting on our front steps, it seems that we are all eager to jump right into gift shopping, decorating, baking holiday treats, and overall getting right into the holiday spirit. But as fun and exciting as the holiday season can be, it can also be a time of stress, sadness, and loneliness for a lot of people. As this time of year rapidly approaches, it is important that we take the time to recognize that not everyone feels those same warm and fuzzy feelings.

If you or someone you know struggles with negative feelings, especially during this time of year, here are some healthy tips to help make mental health a number one priority during the upcoming months:

Small Acts of Self Kindness:  The secret to any lasting change or habit creating is by taking things in small steps. You could start by making sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep at night, aiming to get up and move or stretch twice a day, by making time to get MFR bodywork done, or by eating well and eating enough. Taking care of yourself physically will improve your mental health, as physical activity and enough rest will help to produce endorphins in your body and keep you feeling energized. Eating well and keeping a balanced diet will fuel your body and keep you feeling good throughout the day. Making time for MFR is hugely important around stressful times of the year, as it is a way to release those anxieties and have an hour that is dedicated to you! Keeping yourself physically healthy is the best place to start, and from there you can add in habits that keep your mind healthy like meditation, writing in a journal, or reading is all great ways to keep your mind and your thoughts in check as we head into a potentially draining time of year.  

Stick to your budget: Feeling out of control financially will increase feelings of stress and anxiety. While it can be tempting to over-spend on gifts or give in to last-minute purchases, do your best to stick to your budget to maintain peace of mind. The best course of action would be to plan in advance who you are buying for, and what the price limit should be for each person depending on your budget. That way, you can stick to the plan and release yourself from that guilty feeling of checking your bank balance at the end of a spree. Remember that your self-worth does not correlate to how much money you can spend or how many gifts you buy. After all, that is not the real reason that we give gifts in the first place!

Be realistic: The holidays are a time to reconnect with family and friends, and to be thankful for everything that we have in our lives. Gifts and money are not the sole reason that we celebrate this time of year. Whether your budget is tighter than usual or you just don’t feel up to it, just remind yourself that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the season. At the end of the day, your loved ones will simply appreciate being able to reconnect with you and enjoy your company. It is important to remember that we typically expect more from ourselves than we do from other people and that we are our own worst critics, so be sure to give yourself a break this time of year and know that you are doing your best. Set yourself up for success by not biting off more than you can chew and by setting realistic expectations for what you can accomplish.

Try saying no: This time of year can be anxiety-inducing due to not only money but stressful family dynamics, grief, or issues with work-life balance. This is your reminder that it is okay to set boundaries and to say no. If you have a toxic family dynamic, you do not have to subject yourself to toxicity simply because it is tradition. You are allowed to set boundaries and celebrate in any way that best preserves your mental health. It can be hard as well when you are missing a loved one, so allow yourself that time to grieve. You can always say no, and you are not a bad person for doing so. 

So, as the holiday season approaches this year, remember these four tips to help keep your mental health in check. It is easy to get caught up in the so-called hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but it can be a difficult time of year for a lot of people and for a plethora of reasons. Remember to go easy on yourself and prioritize your health first, and remember to do the same for those around you. You will find enjoyment in this time of year once you take care of yourself first. After all, this is supposed to be a time of celebration, love, and warmth, and not stress, so be sure to keep that in mind as we head into the next few months. If you have any questions or need to reach out to someone this season, feel free to contact us today.