The holiday season, with its sparkle and cheer, often brings a mix of emotions. While it’s a time for celebration, it can also be a period of stress, anxiety, and overwhelming expectations. So this year, let’s do things a little differently. Let’s focus on making the holidays special for everyone, including yourself, by prioritizing self care and your mental health so that this time of year will be merry and bright and not Bah Humbug!
1. Understanding Holiday Stress
- Identify Stress Triggers: Understand what aspects of the holiday season trigger your stress. Is it financial pressure, family expectations, or the loss of a loved one? Identifying these triggers helps in addressing them effectively.
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel not so festive. Acknowledging your emotions is healthier than forcing cheerfulness.
2. Setting Realistic Expectations
- Avoid the Perfection Trap: Perfection in holiday preparations is an unrealistic goal. Accept that some things might not go as planned, and that’s completely okay. Remember, this is the year where you take your needs into account, not how things will be perceived by others.
- Balance is Key: Balance holiday activities with your everyday responsibilities. Overcommitting will lead to burnout.
3. Self-Care Strategies
- Schedule ‘Me Time’: Block out time in your schedule for activities that relax you and help you reset.
- Healthy Habits: Maintain a healthy routine, including adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
- Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques to stay grounded and calm.
- Schedule your therapy appointments ahead of time: If you schedule them, you will go and if going is not going to be doable, schedule your appointment for an online appointment. Did you know you get 10% off your first appointment at www.betterhelp.com Code: TheMisunderstood.
4. Nurturing Relationships
- Set Boundaries: Communicate your needs and limits to family and friends. It’s okay to decline invitations if they cause stress.
- Quality Time: Plan activities with loved ones that foster genuine connections, like a family game night or a trip to see the Christmas lights.
5. Seeking Joy in Simplicity
- Savor the Moments: Enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, like the aroma of fresh cookies or the sound of holiday music.
- Creative Expressions: Indulge in creative activities like crafting or decorating, which can be therapeutic. On the flip side, you may hate crafting, but envy the results, head over to sites like Etsy and support small businesses and those who do enjoy the art of crafting.
6. Managing Grief and Loss
- Honor Your Memories: Missing those who have died can be a very sobering aspect of the holiday season, keeping their memories alive and well by sharing their stories, making their special recipes and placing their picture in a place of honor.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, mental health professionals and our site. You’re not alone in your grief.
The essence of the holiday season lies in joy, peace, and goodwill. By focusing on what truly matters, setting realistic expectations, and taking care of our mental health, we can find a deeper, more meaningful way to celebrate. Remember, the best gift you can give yourself and others is the gift of well-being and your singular focus and presence.
All the best,
Team SG