How To Stay Mentally Healthy During the Holiday Season
38% of people said their stress increased during the holiday season.
A study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)1 found that almost 64% of people with mental illness said the holidays made their condition worse.1
How the Holidays remind me of simpler times and how I make them better.
I’m listening to nostalgic Christmas music as I write this. The type that reminds me of either something from my childhood or a favorite holiday movie or show.
Christmas music reminds me of what the Holidays should be like.
I envision being inside a Christmas snow globe or a holiday town display in my window. Caroling house to house, followed by ice skating and hot chocolate behind my home while chestnuts are roasting on an open fire.
Putting out cookies and milk for Santa, while running upstairs with excitement and awe at what’s – and who’s – to come.
As a 34-year-old who has now “grown up” and is starting my own family, I think back to the good ole days. The days when Christmas was filled with nonstop cheerfulness. The days of excitement to see family on Christmas Eve, open some gifts, and then hop into your warm beds, while your parents read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Now I sit here and listen to music that reminds me of those times.
I still love the joy of the Holiday season. But sometimes, it feels like I’m the reason for that joy. Because if I didn’t decorate or call up the fam to get everyone together, would Christmas still be as jolly? I would like to think so, but I doubt it.
Once you become an adult, you’re in charge of making the Holiday season what you want it to be.
If you don’t decorate the tree, then the tree isn’t going up.
Santa will most likely not be visiting until you have your children awaiting him.
As time has passed, the Holidays are still a wonderful time for me. But, they are also a little stressful, a little sad, and not the perfect, exciting time of year that only a child really knows.
The Holidays can be a time of reflection and sometimes that might be a portrait of not what went well that year, but all the things that didn’t.
Because I know that not all of us are feeling extra cheerful this time of year, I’ve put together a list of the things that have helped me feel more cheerful during the season.
If you’re feeling a little down this holiday season, I hope this blog from my blog collection helps you and introduces you to some ideas and opportunities to make your holiday season a little brighter and perhaps merrier.
Whether it be to just breathe or take a little extra time for myself, these six tips have helped me get through the stresses that come with the holiday season and remind me of how magical the season truly can be.
Six Tips for Staying Mentally Healthy During the Holidays
Breathe and take time for yourself
It sounds so simple. You might be thinking, “yea I breathe every second.” But do you actually take deep breaths and pay attention to how your body flows in and out with every breath?
Meditation2 is just one way to practice breathing. I truly believe everyone should give it a try. When I’m feeling stressed and I meditate and focus on my breathing, the stress is gone.
Another idea of how to take some time for yourself is waking up before everyone else and going for a walk. You can enjoy getting some fresh air, and you can even listen to a mental health podcast that will put your mind at ease for the day.
Have you tried yoga? You don’t have to be flexible to start and can do less than ten minutes a day. It’s a wonderful way to get your day started or unwind before bed.
Other things I like to do are journaling and reflecting. Write two things that you are grateful for from the previous day. Take just ten minutes to write, and you’ll be amazed by how happy you feel afterward.
2. Learn to say no
Do you feel like you’re being pulled into a million places, parties, and holiday gatherings? Sounds fun until you have no time for yourself.
It’s ok to say no.
Block off weekends if you must. I literally put x’s on my calendar and write block, so I know that no matter who asked me to hang out, I have to say no. Well, that day was dedicated to whatever I wanted to do.
It’s ok to say no. People will not be mad at you, and if they are, well, that’s their problem.
3. Don’t sweat the gifts
There was one year when I was living paycheck to paycheck. I maxed out my credit cards and I still needed to buy Christmas presents. Or at least I thought I had to.
So what did I do? I made them.
I went to the Dollar Store, and the local craft store, and made gifts that were meaningful. And guess what? I still see them in my parent’s house years after I gifted them.
Do I see those costly sweaters I gave my dad last year? Nope.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a ton of money or even gift someone something.
You can…
Start a family gift exchange
Offer to host your friends for a holiday gathering
Mention in lieu of presents, you’d love to treat them to a cookie-making party at your house
Meet for a hike
Visit the Library. They have a lot of craft fairs and free activities.
Sometimes just being with family is the greatest gift of all.
4. Don’t abandon healthy habits for those Christmas treats
Indulge, but not to the point where you’re feeling terrible about your choices come January.
Drinking and eating naughty foods can be fun. But I can't tell you the number of times I’ve done this, and it increased my anxiety. Just feeling how unhealthy I was in the new year made me feel terrible about myself.
Don't lose track of exercise and eating healthy, but don’t limit yourself. Have fun and remember that you can go for that morning walk after you have those sweets.
Don’t forget that your body, and not just your sweet tooth, needs lovin’ too.
5. Seek support
If you are feeling incredibly low to the point where nothing seems to be making you feel better, join a social group or community outreach program. Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
There’s so many options out there:
Look for others that are going through this as well.
Log in to an online forum. If you’d like to post anonymously you can just vent. A lot of people are there to vent too or you may run into someone who is going through the exact same thing and has advice that you hadn’t thought of.
If you feel comfortable, visit a support group in person. Talk or just listen to others. Either way, make sure you are getting the help you need.
When in doubt, ask someone for help. I guarantee your friends and family will want to do everything they can to help.
Whatever you decide, just don’t do this alone.
6. Be kind to yourself and to others
Sometimes, just an act of kindness can change an entire day’s mood.
Have you ever had someone be so nice to you that you couldn’t help but be nice to the next person you spoke with?
Kindness can change someone’s entire day.
And remember that you don’t know what people are going through. People you meet could be having the worst day of their lives and it's important to show compassion.
Feel Less Stressed This Holiday Season
Those are just six of my go-to's to relieve stress, but there are so many other ways to take care of yourself this holiday. Remember, don’t feel guilty, and take time for yourself.
The holidays can be a time for laughter, cheer, and merriment, but it’s ok to not feel as chipper as they portray in Hallmark movies.
Life can be challenging, and if you aren’t feeling happy or anxiety seems to be creeping in, don’t feel like you’re alone. There are many ways to help and so many people who want to listen.
Enjoyed reading this article? Check out my blog for more insight on ways to stay healthy throughout the year.
References:
https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2014/Mental-health-and-the-holiday-blues
https://www.mindful.org/take-10-minutes-defuse-holiday-stress-mindfulness-practice/
