Tips for the Holidays
The holiday season, while joyful for many, can also be stressful and emotionally challenging. Between the pressure to meet social expectations, financial stress, and the shorter, darker days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking care of your mental health during the holidays is crucial, and with a few strategies, you can navigate the season with greater well-being.
Here are 5 key mental health tips for surviving the holidays:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Be mindful of your time and energy. Focus on what truly matters to you and avoid overextending yourself. There’s often pressure to be the perfect host, gift-giver, or socializer, but it’s important to be honest with yourself and others. It’s okay to say no or be flexible with plans—no one expects perfection. It is impossible to be all things to all people. Saying “no” could be a helpful tool for the upcoming season. Simply saying “no” to one obligation could save you time and energy to do more of what matters to you. Being able to invest more in what matters to you could likely increase your feelings of joy and fulfillment.
2. Gift Giving
There is extraordinary financial pressures during the holidays, which often leave people feeling overwhelmed with gift giving. You may find it beneficial to consider a thoughtful or more simple gift. For example, baking cookies for a friend or creating a heartfelt craft for a family member. Once again, be honest with yourself and your finances. Set a realistic goal for your holiday budget and make decisions that align with that goal. There are many resources that can help you track these efforts. For example, the EveryDollar app or other free online forums.
3. Prioritize Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Regularly check in with how you're feeling, and offer yourself the same compassion you would to a friend. Allow yourself breaks and rest. You may find that you need to step away at family gatherings or say no to plans. I recognize that this practice can be challenging at first, and may take time to practice and build comfort. You’ll be a better version of yourself for both you and others when you make self-care a priority.
4. Stay Active and Maintain Healthy Routines
The holiday season can disrupt routines, but maintaining healthy habits is essential for managing stress and mood. Try to stick to a regular exercise schedule, sleep well, eat nourishing foods, and practice mindfulness. Small, consistent efforts go a long way in balancing your emotional and physical well-being. It could be helpful for you to make a plan now to help prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Start small and practice implementing one or two efforts towards this a day.
5. Seek Support and Connection
Don’t do life alone. If you're feeling isolated or stressed, reach out for support. Connect with friends, family, or a professional. Joining community groups, like a book club or fitness class, can help foster meaningful connections and reduce loneliness.
You can change the narrative of your holiday experience. It doesn’t have to be filled with overwhelming stress or unrealistic expectations. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, staying mindful, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate the season with more ease and emotional resilience. It’s okay to take time for yourself.
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