Last week we spoke about coping with difficult family dynamics during the holiday season, this week we’ll speak to general self-care practices that would benefit you in any situation.
Although these strategies are sure to help you adjust to last-minute changes, let’s make a habit to incorporate at least one of the following strategies into your holiday routine. The goal isYou build up a reserve and have self-care be a part of life rather than a coping mechanism. A regular thankfulness practice can be very beneficial for conditioning your mind to engage optimally in any circumstance.
Ways to Manage your Mental Health During the Holidays
1. Take care of your physical and mental health
Spending the holidays helping others is good, but you shouldn't sacrifice your own health and wellness in the process. You know the saying, "Put your own oxygen mask on first"? It is true. When we are worn out and burned out, we are unable to help others.
The holiday season is a time when self-care is especially crucial because we are busy with plans that knock us out of our regular routines. We're staying up later, eating more sugar and alcohol, and skipping our exercises. While it is enjoyable at the time, we frequently feel lethargic or agitated afterwards.
So don't forget to schedule activities that will help you feel better emotionally, physically, and spiritually. That could be through exercise, guitar playing, therapy sessions, or meditation.
2. Say “no” when you need to
The holidays come with a lot of extra options and responsibilities, such as party invites, family get-togethers, gift-buying, cooking, and so forth. But you can't do it all, and you shouldn't feel pressured to!
If things start to seem overwhelming, you might gently decline invitations or depart early. Check in with yourself, pay attention to what seems appropriate for YOU, and take action as necessary. There is nothing wrong with taking your requirements into account.
3. Surround yourself with energy that fuels you
Do you feel compelled to spend the holidays with relatives or others you dislike or find draining? Maybe they prefer to gossip, complain, or make rude comments. It can be helpful to limit your interactions with "energy vampires" who sap your resources and leave you drained and irritable.
I also urge you to actively look for and make arrangements with individuals who fuel you and create more supportive environments. You can assemble with friends, neighbors, members of your church group, or anybody else who "fills you up" emotionally to form an experience closer to your liking.
4. Take A Real Break
Have your holiday preparations included time for rest and relaxation? It is simple to fill your holiday time off from work with travel, parties, and holiday chores, whether you have one day or two weeks off. And while a lot of these activities are fun, they may also be exhausting.
So make sure to schedule some time for something reviving, whether it's a private meal with your friend or spouse, a peaceful afternoon spent reading a fantastic book, or returning home early to get some rest. Going back to work after the holidays when you're exhausted and feel like you didn't even have a vacation is a big drag.
I hope these holiday self-care suggestions will help you handle the stress of the season and challenging family dynamics.
About the Author
I’m Rayvéne Whatley a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. I enjoy empowering you to remove the mask of other people’s expectations and have the audacity to be yourself. I have a particular passion for Black man and women cope with anxiety and challenge expectations by reexamining beliefs that no longer suit their desires.
Note: While the information above is intended to provide insight as you begin your journey they are not intended to replace the guidance of a trained professional. Exploring these concerns in the presence of a licensed counselor or other licensed professional may provide deeper insight and assist in managing more multifaceted concerns that may arise.