The holidays, while filled with joy for many, for others, can be fraught with stresses that can lead to mental health problems.  Stress of preparing for the holidays, the financial burden of gift giving, and the anxiety that can go with family get-togethers can lead those impacted by mental illness needing some additional support this time of year.  Prioritizing yourself and your own emotional well-being during the holiday season can ensure that you are able to fully enjoy the holidays while maintaining your mental health.

Focus on What is Important to You During the Holidays

With so many things to do during the holidays, from events and shopping to family traditions, you can often feel like you are being pulled in different directions.  With the countdown to the looming holidays, this can leave anyone feeling frantic and rushed.  Instead of trying to do everything, cramming as much as possible into your days, focus on a few things that are the most important to you.  This can be creating a few simple family traditions, that will withstand the years, instead of trying to do everything.  By focusing on less, you will be able to enjoy these times more and be present in the moment.

Set Aside Time for Yourself and Your Self-Care

It can be easy to become overwhelmed during the holiday season, neglecting your own self-care and mental health needs.  By setting aside time each day for “me time”, you can be sure you are getting the time you need to keep yourself healthy.  This may be reading a book, going to the movies, spending time outdoors, or listening to music.  Designating this time for yourself each day will go a long way to ensuring that your mental health is supported through this stressful season.

By taking care of your physical needs, eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep, you can be certain that you are well taken care of physically also.  Making sure you are in good condition physically can give you a mental boost needed during the holidays.

Make a Gratitude List and Find What You are Thankful For

With the hubbub of activity, it can be easy to lose sight of our gratitude.  Making a list of what you are for and reflecting on the positive things of the past year can help you keep this in the forefront of your mind.  This reflection can help to put your feelings in a more positive list, giving you something that you can look back on whenever you need to. 

Finding Mental Health Support

You can experience mental health struggles at any time, but many of us are more susceptible to these dips during the holidays.  Whether suffering from the recent loss of a loved one, a transition in life, or just the stresses of every day, finding the support you need for your own mental health is critical.  Counseling and therapy can help you to get through these challenging times.  Regardless of what else is going on in your life, during the holidays be sure to make your mental health a priority and get the support you need.