The holiday season can be dazzling. All the festive lights and cheerful music intended to light up the long nights can be bright and happy. But they're also loud, hectic, and in many cases, stressful. Allowing yourself to get caught up in the hustle and bustle may not lend to your overall mental health.
The American Psychological Association reports that nearly four in ten Americans feel that their stress increases over the holidays. So if this reflects how you feel, you're not alone. At Thrive Counseling Center, we aim to supply you with the tools to help avoid holiday pitfalls. Here are tips for better mental health this year.
1. Allow Yourself to Accept How You Feel
The holidays don't make trauma and loss disappear. If a loved one has recently died or is out of touch, it's normal to have each day mingled with some grief. However, we suggest you accept how you feel and allow yourself to express it as needed.
Experts agree that you can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. We don't advise you to pretend to make others happy. Consider taking care of yourself so that you can have the ability to show genuine care for others.
2. It's OK to Ask for Help
Isolation can be a huge issue during the holidays, and it's also an excellent time to reach out. Here are a few options to examine:
- Seek out your close community, like-minded people, or those with similar interests.
- Participate in local events.
- Take advantage of online support groups.
- Call or text a friend or family member for support.
- Try volunteering in a local support organization; serving can be healing.
3. A Budget Helps Avoid Over-Spending Stress
One temptation during the holidays is to celebrate and spend without considering your financial constraints. However, money issues don't have to cause you stress during and after the holidays. Instead, set a budget in advance for both gifts and activities like travel or eating out.
4. Maintain Healthy Habits
If you enjoy a fitness or meditation routine during the rest of the year, don't abandon it during the holidays. You may feel time constraints and the impulse to ignore your usual rituals, but try to make room for both. Even in an atmosphere of indulgence, work to eat healthy foods too.
5. Establish Boundaries
During the holiday season, establishing boundaries is crucial for preserving your mental health. It’s important to recognize your limits and communicate them clearly to family and friends. This might mean declining certain invitations, setting limits on holiday spending, or choosing not to engage in stressful conversations. Respecting your own limits is a key step in managing stress and enjoying the holidays more fully.
6. Plan Downtime
Planning downtime is an essential aspect of maintaining mental health during the holidays. Amidst the flurry of activities, it’s vital to schedule periods of rest and relaxation. Whether it's setting aside time for a favorite hobby, practicing meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these moments of downtime are rejuvenating.
7. Connect with Nature
Connecting with nature is a powerful way to enhance mental health during the holidays. Taking short walks outside, even in a local park or around your neighborhood, can significantly impact your well-being. These walks offer a break from the holiday hustle, allowing you to clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve mood.
8. Create Realistic Expectations
Creating realistic expectations is vital for maintaining mental health during the holidays. It's important to acknowledge that holidays aren’t perfect and to be prepared for the inevitable hiccups. Instead of striving for the ideal holiday experience, focus on the aspects that bring genuine joy and connection.
Mental Health Counseling for Holiday Stress in Federal Way, WA
Finally, for some extra support this season, our mental health professionals are always available to provide the counseling you need. If you need us, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment today.