The holidays can be a difficult time for many people. Holidays bring added pressure and financial stress. According to a National Alliance on Mental Health survey, respondents said the holidays contribute to them feeling sad or dissatisfied.
According to the survey results:
- 68% feel financially strained
- 66% have experienced loneliness
- 63% experience too much pressure
- 57% report feeling unrealistic expectations
- 55% find themselves remembering happier times in the past
- And 50% were unable to be with loved ones.
It’s also common for people to experience the holiday blues, a temporary feeling of anxiety or depression during the holidays. While the holiday blues are temporary, it is still vital to take these feelings seriously.
Here are some easy ways to care for your mental health over the holiday season.
Practice self-care
It’s essential to slow down and take care of yourself all year, especially during the holidays. Self-care looks different for everyone. Create a list of things that help you relax. For some people, this could mean exercise in the form of a walk or yoga. Put together a playlist of relaxing or favorite music. And make sure you are eating healthy, drinking enough water, and getting plenty of sleep. It’s amazing what a good night of sleep can do.
Set a budget, and stick to it
The holiday season is a time of giving, but this can be difficult if finances are tight. Look at your finances and determine a reasonable budget that you feel comfortable with and stick to it. Overextending yourself may lead to additional stress and anxiety in the future. Have an honest conversation with family and friends about setting a limit on giving, or discuss having a gift exchange or giving homemade gifts.
Connect with loved ones
Take the time to connect with loved ones – even if it has to be done virtually. Video chats are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who may not be able to travel this holiday season. Also, don’t forget the power of snail mail. Think about how you feel when you get a personal letter in the mail. Acts of kindness are a great way to connect with others and are known to release hormones in your brain that contribute to overall wellbeing and happiness.
Practice gratitude
In the time of consumerism, take the time to practice gratitude. Each day, take a moment to consider things you are grateful for. People who express daily gratitude are 25 percent happier. When you live in a state of gratitude, you are more likely to feel satisfied and happy with what you already have. For an example, check out this video!
Understand what is out of your control
And finally, the most challenging part about the holiday season is allowing yourself to let go of what is out of your control. If you need to, remember self-care and politely excuse yourself to take a walk. Family members may not always behave in the way you would like them to or need them to. You can’t control how they behave, but you can control how their behavior affects you. It’s not easy, but with practice, it can get easier and we can support you through this process.
We at Doctor’s Park Mental Health Center understand the difficulties the holidays can bring. We are here to help. If you are looking for extra support during this holiday season, reach out to Doctor’s Park Mental Health Center today to schedule a time to meet.