The holidays are fun, but they can also be incredibly stressful for many reasons. Self care is crucial at this time. Here are some ways you can protect your mental health during the holidays.
1. Set boundaries
The most difficult part of managing the holidays is saying "no." Hosting, bringing a plus one, or receiving an invitation all carry a fair number of expectations and a fear of overstepping or offending someone. When we don’t set boundaries, we set ourselves up for disappointment and anxiety.
How then do we set boundaries?
- Well, practice. Asserting yourself takes practice.
- Try saying "no" in the mirror. Pay attention to what shows up in you when you say the word. Are you anxious? Afraid of losing people?
- Try therapy, role playing, or journaling. If you struggle with saying "no," you likely find it difficult in every setting.
2. Plan your own staycation
Find things you wanted to do all year but did not find the time to do.
- Watch a matinee show on Broadway or an afternoon movie.
- Go for that walk in Central Park.
- Plan a coffee date with that friend who’s been too busy.
You’ll find how much happier you are doing things alone or in good, intimate company.
3. Do some winter cleaning
Most of us spend the majority of the year looking for downtime that never seems to come. Here are some lighter, easier tasks you can accomplish:
- Donate your clothes. Freeing up space in your home makes you feel lighter and freer.
- Organize your receipts for tax season, thereby reducing spring stress.
- Clean out your pantry, throw away old, expired cans, organize food items, again, if you don’t plan to use, donate.
Donating your things and time makes you feel good about yourself, which is what we want, right?
4. Make amends
Many of us have relationship issues with family, friends, and significant others. We carry that weight and it feels heavier around the holidays. While it may feel like a stressor, taking that step will feel great in the end.
- Text a hello with a smiley face.
- Write a heartfelt email by drafting it first. Sit on it for 2-3 days before sending.
- If you do not wish to contact, write a letter, and feel all your feels. Rip it up, delete it from your phone or laptop, burn it with sage, whatever you want, but let that person go.
5. Start a holiday tradition of your own
Starting your own holiday tradition may be the answer to managing stress during the holidays and prioritizing self-care. You can:
- Host a dinner for friends.
- Invite your siblings over for high tea or brunch.
- Find a habit you want to adopt and one you want to give up. You might want to pick a charity to donate money or time to. You may decide you want to stop drinking.
Starting your own traditions holds you accountable and makes you less dependent on others to include you in plans.
6. Shop early
Last-minute gift buying is never fun, as you can spend too much and feel badly about the strain on your wallet afterward. This year, save yourself the worry by doing all of your online shopping at the start of December. Then, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while the postal elves make sure that your holiday happens exactly on time.
7. Budget accordingly
Overspending is an incredibly common response to holiday stress. Unfortunately, money can’t actually buy happiness; if you try, you’re more likely to end up with an empty wallet and an incredibly anxious holiday.
- Set a firm budget for your holiday spending before you even begin.
- Know how much you have for gifts, how much you have for food, and how much you have for spontaneous ice skating.
- Stick to your budget, and relax knowing that you’ll be starting the new year with your finances in good order.
8. Practice healthy habits
Poor lifestyle choices can be a major contributor to lasting feelings of stress and depression. If you’re having a hard time making it through the festivities, consider these holiday self-care options:
- Eat healthy foods, like vegetables, whole grains, and other fibrous foods. Fill up your plate with leaner meats, and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
- Move your body as much as you can.
- Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep.
9. Get more sunshine
Seasonal affective disorder is incredibly common during the winter months. If you just can’t shake the holiday blues, it might be because you’re not getting enough direct sunlight.
- Pull back the curtains from your windows.
- Bundle up and go for a short walk every day.
- Purchase a sun lamp or light box.
10. Maintain existing relationships
Connecting with friends and family is one of the best ways to help yourself feel less stressed. This year, when you start to feel the darkness of winter rolling in, break your cycle by picking up the phone. Call or text a close friend or family member when things get to be too much. With any luck, they’ll be happy to spend the holiday season chatting with you.
Seasonal stress is normal, but lasting depression shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re struggling with your feelings or keeping up with self-care during the holidays, don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment with our team at Comprehend the Mind. We’ll be happy to help you figure out what’s going on.
