Take Control of Your Holidays
When people think of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other winter holidays, they usually imagine them as a time to gather and celebrate. Even when past years have been filled with stress around family, end-of-year deadlines, finances, and other holiday-related challenges, people still feed into the pressure of making it a “magical” time of year. This leads to feeling overwhelmed, intensifies mental health issues, and triggers unreliable mood swings.
To top it all off, 2020 has added new levels of issues to navigate - it may not be the most wonderful time of the year for many. Frustration, disappointment, and loneliness are common symptoms during “normal” holidays and are expected to reach even higher levels during 2020.
WHAT ARE YOU ALREADY RECOGNIZING?
Increased stress leading to irritability, anger, or feeling ‘pushed to the edge’
Being alone due to circumstances out of your control
Heightened anxiety or depression (often seeming to show up out of the blue)
Eating poorly; for comfort, or because eating healthier feels like too much effort
Drinking or using other substances more than usual
Pressure & expectations (either internal or external) to make the holidays idyllic
Financial uncertainties
Worries about having different views from family/friends on social distancing or politics
Any and all of these issues can affect your mental health and ability to cope. And while it might take more effort this year to prioritize your well-being, it will make a difference in how you survive.
MAKE TIME FOR THESE STRATEGIES
Be deliberate with every day – what do you want to focus on? Find small things to celebrate or be grateful for, even on the most difficult days.
Exercise – not because you “should”. Enjoy the boost in your mood that movement offers.
Practice relaxation or moments of peace. This could be yoga or meditation, but might also be achieved through an at-home movie night, a hot bath, staring at the stars on a clear night, or simply lying on the floor and breathing deeply.
Dedicate time each day to something that brings you joy: hobbies, reading, being creative, fixing or building something, cooking, listening to or making music, etc.
Acknowledge your feelings. Give yourself permission to express how you feel, even if the feelings are sadness, anger, or frustration. Holidays don’t mean you have to always be happy.
Understand your holiday-related triggers. Set boundaries and keep routines that are helpful. Be realistic in what you truly want to take on and what might be better to let go of.
Talk to someone. Whether it is friends & family who are loving and supportive or a professional who can help guide you through the season. Choose people you trust.
Make your mental health a priority this holiday season. Before you know it, the new year will be here. If you can start things off on a healthier note, 2021 might feel more manageable.