The holidays can be a magical time, but not for everybody. Some find the season especially challenging because of holiday stressors and pressures or dealing with grief and loss. While maintaining good mental health can be a struggle year-round, this time of year can be triggering. But these tips and tricks can help you stay grounded and ease stress.
- Make a plan - Decide what you want to do during the holidays, what you need to do and make sure you understand the difference. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends recognizing what your triggers are to help you deal with stressful situations. Accept your limitations and remember that it’s okay to say no to invitations.
- Honor your needs - Make sure you’re taking time out to care for your needs while you’re juggling everything else. NAMI points out that you should be kind to yourself and put your physical and mental wellbeing first.
- Ask for help - Whatever you’re doing this holiday season, from hosting to shopping, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Take shortcuts where you can and ask for help when you need it.
- Stick to a routine - Maintaining normalcy is key for anyone dealing with mental health issues. So make sure you’re eating and sleeping well, as well as finding time to exercise, all of which can help stabilize your mood, lower stress and anxiety and improve long-term mental wellbeing, according to Mental Health First Aid.
- Set boundaries - This is another crucial step to managing your mental health during the holidays. If hosting or attending an event is too stressful, you’re allowed to say no. And NAMI says it’s also “okay to limit the time you spend with family that you have a complicated dynamic with.”
- Find support - Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression or seasonal stress, when you feel overwhelmed, it’s important to talk to someone. Family and friends can offer support, and mental health professionals can, too. So reach out when you need extra support this holiday season.
Source: Parents
Scott's Thoughts:
- Nothing feels better than turning down an invitation to a holiday event that stresses you out!
- I just try to chill and maintain reasonable expectations.
- I really like gatherings with friends and relatives, but yeah, it can be tough!