Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Holidays
Posted in
The holiday season can be filled with fun traditions and time with family, but it also comes with its own set of challenges that can be hard on mental health. For many people, their mental health ends up declining during the holidays. Down below, we have five of our best tips for maintaining your mental health during the holidays.
It’s okay to say no
Our first tip for maintaining your mental health during the holidays is to understand that it’s okay to say no. All of the events, time spent with family and other typical obligations that come with the season.
It can be hard to move past a sense of obligation but saying no to the things that will do more harm than good to your mental health is absolutely okay. Choose to go to the events that you’re excited about and learn to say no to the things that feel too much.
Keep up with healthy habits
The holiday season is filled with lots of decadent food, treats, alcohol and a lack of movement. Not to mention a change in your sleep schedule. Trying your best to keep up with your healthy habits will help you to maintain your mental health during the holidays.
Try to eat a nutritious snack or small meal before you go to a holiday party. Keeping a water bottle with you will help you stay hydrated and will help with managing the alcohol and reducing hangover symptoms. You might invite a family member to go on a walk with you after a holiday meal.
Reach out for support
Reaching out for support is an excellent idea for maintaining your mental health during the holidays. The holidays can be a difficult time, and though you may be tempted to isolate yourself, reaching out is key.
When you’re having a difficult day, call a friend. Support is going to be a game changer for maintaining your mental health during the holidays.
Expect differences
Having extreme, differing opinions is one of the downsides of family events during the holidays. Go into these events expecting differing opinions and interests and do your best to set them aside. There are better times and better places to talk about differing opinions than a holiday party.
Trying your best to diminish any contention that comes with the differences between family members or friends will help you keep your mental health more peaceful and calmer.
Don’t force yourself to feel a certain way
The commercialization of the holiday season can make it seem like it’s a time of the year when you should be feeling happy. The fact of the matter is that this season can be extremely painful for people.
If the holiday season is difficult for you, don’t force yourself to feel happy, and don’t blame yourself when you are feeling sad. The way you are feeling is completely fine and doesn’t warrant a change. Be kind to yourself on your hard days and let yourself feel the way you feel.
Take Care of You
Your primary care doctor is here for you and all your health care needs. Let us help take care of you. If you don't have a primary care doctor or are looking for a new one, you can schedule an appointment online.
