Can the Holidays Help with Your Mental Health?
The holiday season can be a time of stress, financial strain, and anxiety for many people. You may find yourself struggling to manage your time, energy, and commitments. There may be numerous expectations that you and your family have for this time of year. Familial tensions can become more pronounced around the holidays. Additionally, underlying conditions of depression or anxiety can worsen for some people. The holiday season can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness or isolation for some people. However, we hear that ‘tis the season to be jolly, and with that in mind, can the holidays help with your mental health?
How the Holiday Season Can Benefit Your Mental Health
There are ways in which the holidays can help your mental wellbeing. There are also things you can do to make the most of this time in terms of mental wellness.
A Change in Routine
This season is viewed by many as a stressful time both at home and at work. At home, your family may have certain demands and expectations. You may feel pressure to uphold certain traditions, host a gathering, or ensure that everyone is taken care of. The year-end can be a busy time at work, with various deadlines and commitments pending. Still, you can change your mindset around viewing the season as being an added stress. Without putting your head in the sand, you can still take advantage of the opportunities to take a break that come your way. For example, the holidays can be a change from the daily grind of work, school, or other commitments.
The time off from work, school, and your regular routine can give you some time to unwind and rest. Your daily life may slow down, and the respite from a hectic schedule can be restorative. Take the time to appreciate the extra time you have with your children once they are off from school. Include them in the holiday preparations, and give them responsibilities appropriate to their age.
Reconnecting with Others
Sometimes we may just be too busy with the demands of daily life to keep up our social connections. It may have been a while since you spent time with family and friends. Use the holidays as a time to reach out, reconnect, and socialize. Do as little or as much as you feel like. The important thing is to find ways to relish the time you have with those close to you. Spending quality time with people you care about can help reduce stress and loneliness. Reminiscing, updating loved ones about your life, sharing a meal together, and simply being in the company of those you love can have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Gratitude
The holidays can remind us of all that we have to be grateful for. Take the time to reflect on and appreciate the good in your life. Take in the abundance of food, good company, togetherness, and the holiday spirit. Look at this time as something that can highlight all you have accomplished, what you have to look forward to, and the things and people that bring you joy. Instilling a regular practice of gratitude in your life has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and stress. Embracing a feeling of gratitude consistently also helps boost your self-esteem, contentment, and outlook on life.
How the Season May Adversely Impact Mental Health
People do struggle with the demands of the holiday season, and for many it poses challenges.
Financial Tension
The pressure of entertaining, buying gifts, or travel can cause financial strain and stress.
Familial Tension
Tense or conflicted family dynamics can also be a cause of anxiety.
Loneliness
Not everyone has a family gathering to attend, or company to spend the holidays with. This time of year can worsen feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Grief
Coping with the loss of a loved one can also make this a challenging time. It can sharpen the pain of their absence.
Pressure
There can be pressure of various kinds during the holidays. For example, anxiety of hosting guests, preparing meals, having everything ready in time, travel arrangements, and such.
Take Advantage of the Holiday for Your Mental Health
Manage Expectations
Manage your own expectations about what your holiday ‘should’ look like. Be aware of any desire for perfectionism. This can put added stress onto your holiday preparations. Also, set realistic expectations for your partner, children, and family members. Let them know what to expect, whether in terms of the meal, gifts, travel, or traditions.
Financial Management
This can be a constant, niggling poke of anxiety. It is recommended to start budgeting for the holidays well head of time. Set maximum spending limits on gifts and identify areas where you can save costs. Ensure that you and your partner are on the same page, and present a united front to the children in terms of spending and expectations. Do not overextend yourself, and stick to the budget.
Set Boundaries
Setting healthy personal boundaries is necessary in all areas of life, and the holidays are no exception. This is especially important if you will be spending time with contentious family members. Figure out ways in which you can politely but firmly say no when you need to. If there are topics you would like to avoid during a gathering, consider gently communicating this to your relative beforehand. Consider how much you are willing to do in terms of entertaining, cooking, travelling, hosting, etc., and set boundaries around it. Remember, you cannot make everyone happy all of the time.
Remember Self-Care
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to forget to take some time for yourself. Take a break, eat a healthy snack, go for a walk, or do some light stretches – the point is to do something that relaxes you and makes you feel good. Be mindful of the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Seek Support
If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or stressed, reach out for support. You can confide in a close friend or family member. It can also be helpful to talk to a professional, in the form of individual therapy or depression therapy, for example. Therapy can help you work through your feelings and gives you guidance and strategies on how to manage.
Volunteer
Giving your time and kindness is a great way to boost your mood. It also creates a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Spreading goodwill and compassion is beneficial for your wellbeing.
Be Present
You can get caught up in your to-do list, logistics, organizing, and planning. The holidays are a busy time! But remember, the essence of the holiday season is sharing, creating memories, and remembering to be grateful. Remind yourself to be in the present moment. Savor the little details, the small joys, and what is happening now. Engage with the vibe! You can tailor your holiday activities and traditions to what feels best for you and your family.
Trust Mental Health has a diverse team of therapists that offer BIPOC therapy in California. Between us, we speak over 15 languages. We recognize that in some communities, there may be a stigma around mental health issues and seeking professional help. Our BIPOC team of therapists recognize the cultural sensitivities of clients. We approach our treatment with an understanding of the nuances of a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Contact us today for a free 15 minute consultation. We will match you with a therapist best suited to your unique needs. We offer therapy both online and in person. See our locations here.
FAQs
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Holidays can improve mental health by providing opportunities for relaxation, stress reduction, and social connections. Taking a break from work or daily routines can help alleviate stress and promote emotional well-being. You can take part in enjoyable and leisurely activities, and spend quality time with loved ones. and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.
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Managing holiday-related stress involves setting boundaries, practicing time management, budgeting wisely, seeking support from loved ones, and maintaining self-care routines. Recognizing and addressing stressors early can also help prevent overwhelming feelings.
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If you feel lonely during the holidays, consider reaching out to friends or family members, volunteering, or attending community events. Seek support and find social or community-based activities to allay loneliness.
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Warning signs that holiday stress is becoming a mental health issue may include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawal from social activities, or a significant decrease in functioning. If you notice these signs, seek professional help such as depression therapy or individual therapy.