Caring for your mental health can be a challenge no matter what time of the year it is. However, it can be especially difficult during the holiday season. The holidays are supposed to be a time of laughter, happiness and joy. For many people, however, the holidays bring about feelings of inadequacy, stress and loneliness.
If you find that your mental health issues are worsened during the holiday season, you’re not alone. Many people feel this way. Here is a guide on how to care for your mental health during the holiday season.
Self-Care is Essential
Oren Frank, the CEO of Talkspace, stresses the importance of self-care during the holiday season on his blog. Self-care refers to any actions that one takes to care for their own physical, emotional and psychological needs. Self-care can be something fun and light, such as treating yourself to a spa day or a solo movie date. It can also involve talking to a therapist or cancelling plans to instead take a mental health day. Only you know what your personal self-care needs entail.
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Don’t Be Afraid To Say “No”
During the holiday season, many people feel like they’re being pulled in every direction. Family members are asking them to take on additional responsibilities, while work and school demands are still ever-present in their lives. Oren Frank stresses how important it is for people to not be afraid to say “no.” When you say “no” to an additional task or responsibility, you’re often saying “yes” to your own mental health and happiness. Remember, there’s nothing “selfish” about putting your own needs first.
Make Healthy Choices
When you don’t feel physically well, it’s difficult to feel emotionally and psychologically well. The holiday season is often full of unhealthy food, cold weather and alcohol. This often leads people to overeat, imbibe excessively and to neglect physical fitness. It’s okay to indulge a bit during the holidays, but try to stick to a healthy routine. Your mental health will improve if your physical health is in a good place.
Don’t ever feel guilty for prioritizing your mental health, especially during the stressful holiday season. The better you feel emotionally and mentally, the better a friend and family member you’ll be to the people you love. Taking care of your mental health isn’t just a gift you give to yourself, but a gift you give to the people around you as well. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talkspace