Quick Tips to Prioritize YOUR Mental Wellness this Holiday Season
As the holidays near, we know it’s not always good cheer for everyone. This time of year, many folks struggle with mental wellness, and for good reason. It’s a season of abundance, with lots of community, family and friend activities, gifts to think about and purchase, gatherings to attend, and lists galore - needless to say, it is overwhelming for most of us.
This season can lead to a time of loneliness, isolation, depression, social exhaustion, financial stress, anxiety, sleeplessless, changes with routines and schedules, relapse, comparisons, and fears of missing out.
With that in mind, THIS (yes, mid-November) is the perfect time to cultivate and create a PLAN for the holidays that fits BEST FOR YOU! This could mean:
Setting aside time for yourself: if you know you need (x number of days) per week without social engagement, block them off, now.
Being selective: who says you need to do all the things? Choosing 1-3 “must-do” traditions/activities over the holidays is best to ensure your energy goes to those.
Saying no: if your social battery and / or your bank account isn’t up for it - say ‘no’ without excuse, and without self-criticism.
Making (and sticking to) a budget: planning an amount per gift / activity / engagement, and being strict about it, helps manage credit card regret in the new year.
Getting creative: not all events need to be centered around food and gifts….perhaps this is the year to start a new tradition - a walk in nature, board-game /art? Challenge yourself and your loved ones to think outside the box this year.
Dry holidays: if you’ve been refraining from alcohol, the holidays can be a tricky time. Having a solid relapse prevention strategy is key to success.
…and with all this (and more) that you can do to plan ahead, sticking to a plan also comes with challenges. If you tend to be one to people please, at the risk of compromising your own mental wellness, reach out for support.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. Let’s make this holiday season the best, for YOU!