Survival Guide to Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

Tis the season to be jolly. Unfortunately for many, the holiday season is not so merry and bright when it comes to their mental health. Today I am going to share with you some tips and reminders to help get you through this upcoming season. 

These tips are great to keep in mind not only for yourself, but for others around you. To get your noggin really thinking, we’re going to break these down into the core relationships.  [If you want more info on the core relationships, check out the blog post here.]

Emotions:

It is ok to have them, and it is ok to not be happy during the holiday season. On the flip side, it is also ok to be going through a hard time and still experience joy and happiness. Emotions are vast and complicated. You are human and capable of experiencing more than one.

Food:

You can eat whatever you want without having to “earn it”. If you battle an eating disorder, remember you can make holiday plans that don’t center around meals. Or have your own meal at home and arrive before or after the meal with family. Just remember you still need to fuel your body.

Exercise:

You can spend your time off resting and doing “nothing.” Rest is productive too. If you want some movement, you can always go for a walk. You can even include your family and friends in a leisurely stroll around the block

Boundaries:

Set them and stick to them. Remember you can say no. You can leave when you want or choose not to participate in every event you’re invited to. You can ask for a conversation topic to not be brought up. Or simply change the topic yourself. You can still have a good time and stand up for what you need. Just because you are family, doesn’t mean you have to forget about your needs.

Prepare yourself:

If you are really pre-stressing about the holiday season, it may be beneficial to bring this up with a therapist or someone that is supportive and close to you. It can be helpful to hear opinions and thoughts from someone who cares. Create an action plan of how you can cope this holiday season. Or maybe set a safe word so that if things get too difficult, you and that other person will know when it’s time to leave or change the subject without having to cause a big scene or worry about upsetting someone else.

Love Yourself:

You are your biggest support so remember to show yourself some self-love. Stop being your own harsh critic. Don’t compare yourself to others. You don’t need to compete in who has the most trauma. Instead focus on positive coping skills. Treat yourself with kindness and say some affirmations. But most of all, do some self-love self-care. 

Support:

If someone you know is having a difficult time, respect and help uphold their boundaries. Help to change touchy topics or provide a safe space for that person to come and talk with you. You can even offer alternative plans that may be more beneficial to their mental health.

Encourage:

If someone you know is having a difficult time, you can encourage them to participate without being too pushy. Perhaps set a timer and decide after it goes off if it is better to leave. Or stay if you are enjoying yourselves. Encourage others to fuel their body and help set an example and reminder that you don’t have to “earn” your food in order to eat it.

Love Yourself:

Remember you and your needs must come first before you are able to help anyone else. You cannot pour from an empty cup so take care of yourself this season.

Emotions:

You can spread holiday cheer but remember everyone may be battling something you know nothing about. Offer kindness and love without expecting anything in return.

Reach Out:

Use your holiday spirit to reach out to others who may need help. Respect the boundaries of others and take into consideration the experience someone else may be having.

Love Yourself:

You and your needs must come first before you are able to help anyone else. 

No matter how much prepping you do, remember you have no control over people’s actions or conversations. There is still a high chance someone may say or do something that may feel triggering to you. This is out of your control and that is ok. You will survive. 

Just remember you are not alone. Surround yourself with supportive people and create your own positive traditions and memories. My chat and messages are always open if you need to reach out. But most of all, remember that I love you and you should love you too!