Although the holidays are a time of fun and family, many people who struggle with their mental health can find that their problems worsen as the holidays draw near. Anxiety, depression, and other issues can be exacerbated during this busy, stressful time, which can turn the holidays into a time that you dread instead of looking forward to. If this sounds like you, know that you’re not alone, and that there are plenty of things you can do to help manage your stress and mental health this holiday season! Here are a few good tips to remember.
Avoid Taking on Too Much
Saying yes to too many things around the holidays is one of the quickest ways to become stressed and overwhelmed. It’s critical to recognize and respect your own limits to keep this from happening, even if it means setting boundaries or saying no to things. If you’re feeling pressured to bring home-cooked food to every friend’s party, for instance, remember that it’s ok to turn things down to keep yourself from getting too swamped. If you exhaust all of your energy, you won’t have any left to appreciate your time with loved ones.
Establish Boundaries
Spending time with your family is not always easy, and occasionally can leave you feeling worse than you did before you saw them. Setting and upholding boundaries with your family is crucial if there are aspects of their interactions that aggravate you or might make your mental health worse. This might mean that there are certain events that you have to decline invitations to or certain family members that you have to try to avoid, but remember that when it comes to your own wellbeing, you have to put yourself first, even around the holidays!
Emphasize Health and Self-Care
During hectic times like these, taking care of yourself can easily slip through the cracks, so it’s even more important to prioritize it at this time of year! In order to put yourself in the best possible position to handle the holiday season, schedule time into your day to ensure that you’re maintaining healthy routines, such as exercising and spending time outside, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious meals. It’s also important to schedule self-care activities, such as journaling, meditation, reading, walking, or any other activity that allows you to relax and recuperate.
Volunteer
Trying to give back and help others is an amazing way to overcome the gloom and depression that many people experience during this time of year. Giving your time and energy to a cause that is important to you will make you feel more involved in your community and reduce feelings of hopelessness or loneliness that can crop up around the holidays, so consider spending some time volunteering this year if you are in a position where you can.
Get Help
Many people find that therapy helps them deal with their mental health issues, and that becomes even more crucial during difficult times like the holidays. If you’re already seeing a mental health professional, continue to do so during the next few weeks! If you’ve never seen one before, consider giving it a shot. A therapist may be able to make a real difference in how you experience the holidays, and can become a vital component of your support network throughout the year.
It can be difficult to appreciate the most wonderful time of the year if you are struggling with your mental health, but this winter doesn’t have to be a drag for you if you prepare ahead and get help where you need it. The TMS Center of the Lehigh Valley can help you or a loved one who is experiencing mental health issues, so to find out more about our treatment choices, get in touch with us today!