The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, cheer, and togetherness. However, for many people, it can also be a source of increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. In this blog post, we will discuss ten valuable tips to help you prioritize your mental well-being and better navigate the holiday season.
Acknowledge and Prioritize Self-Care:
Amidst the busyness of the season, don't forget to take care of yourself. Holidays can add plenty of stress between gifts, travel, hosting, and more. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, practicing yoga, or going for a walk. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary part of maintaining good mental health.
Set Realistic Expectations:
The holidays can often accompany grandiose expectations of a “perfect” experience. These unrealistic expectations can often contribute to additional stress, so it's crucial to set realistic goals. Trying to make everything perfect can be overwhelming and distracting from the joys present around us. Embrace imperfection and focus on creating meaningful moments rather than chasing perfection. Be flexible with your expectations so that you might find fulfillment from whatever the holiday offers!
Establish Boundaries:
It's okay to say no and set boundaries during the holiday season. Protect your mental health by recognizing your limitations and not overcommitting yourself. Communicate your needs openly and respectfully with friends and family, ensuring your boundaries are honored.
Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
Identify and utilize healthy coping mechanisms that work for you when feelings of stress or anxiety arise. Explore relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities that help you unwind and manage stress effectively. Prioritize time to use your coping skills and be sure you understand the situations and indicators that you should use coping skills.
Connect with Supportive People:
Surround yourself with supportive friends or family members who know you, understand your struggles, and provide a safe space for you to share your feelings. If you have limited contact with your support system, prioritize time before or after the holidays to help you manage. Having a safe support system can make a world of difference during the holiday season.
Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness:
Cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness can help shift your mindset and reduce stress during the holidays. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you are grateful for and incorporate mindfulness practices such as guided meditation or mindfulness walks into your routine. These practices can help you to power through the holidays and reel yourself back in moments of stress and overwhelm.
Set Financial Boundaries:
Financial stress can significantly impact mental health during the holidays. Set a budget and stick to it, exploring alternative ways of showing love and appreciation that do not involve excessive spending. Focus on meaningful experiences rather than material gifts. Understand your relationship to your finances and be conscious of potential triggering situations surrounding finances.
Plan and Prioritize:
Stay organized and manage your time effectively to alleviate holiday-induced stress. Create a schedule or to-do list, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities when possible. Plan time to transition between big events or to do nothing/recover. Some people benefit from intentionally setting aside time to be alone, especially if being around people causes burnout. By planning ahead, you can reduce last-minute rush and anxiety.
Maintain Healthy Habits:
Don't neglect your regular healthy habits during the holidays. Aim to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay physically active. Find ways to implement pieces of your regular routine into the holiday season to preserve some normalcy. Take the opportunity to look at different habits and use the season as a natural transition into a new habit. These practices will contribute to your overall well-being and better manage stress.
Prioritizing your mental health during the holiday season is essential. By acknowledging your emotions, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed, you can embrace the true meaning of the holidays without compromising your well-being. Remember, it's okay to slow down, say no, and take care of yourself first. Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season!
Seek Anxiety Treatment in Asheville, NC:
If the holiday season becomes overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Whether it’s preparing for, getting through, or recovering from the holidays; we’re here to help. If you feel like you would benefit from speaking with a professional, please feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. You can start your therapy with Strive On Counseling by following these steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start thriving through the holidays!
Other Mental Health Services Available at Strive On Counseling
As Asheville therapists, we understand that every individual has a unique set of mental health needs. Therefore, we offer many services and forms of therapy alongside anxiety treatment. More specifically, our services include individual counseling, anxiety treatment, EMDR trauma therapy, therapy for men’s issues, mindfulness, buddhist counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, teletherapy / online therapy. Some other resources we offer include guided meditations, supplements, a list of books and other useful resources, and online courses. If you would like more information about any of these services, please reach out today, and start doing therapy in North Carolina!