Prioritize your Mental Health during this Holiday Season
The holidays normally are when families get together, celebrate with one another, and are cheerful and joyous! But with this comes certain challenges, such as our mental health. It is easy to forget that the holidays aren't always the best time for certain people. There are many obstacles that people face daily and have to hurdle through throughout their lives. but the holiday season can also make it very difficult to do that. In this blog, we will explore these holiday hurdles, such as stress, financial pressure, dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, and others.
Why are the holidays so stressful?
Oftentimes, you might feel more pressure during the holidays because of many different reasons, such as school stress, work deadlines, meal planning, and event planning. All of these factors contribute to stress over time. There is also the possibility of not having time for yourself because of your schedule being packed and overfilled with due dates. There are also worries about family gatherings, especially when you might have a strained relationship with family members.
How to cope with Loneliness during the holidays?
During the holidays, there is always the possibility of being alone and not connecting with anyone through this time. Although this is when families get together, and you spend some time with their loved ones, some people don't have that. They might be more distant from the family and choose to stay alone. This may be your own choice or not, but you should recognize that you are not alone! Here are some tips to cope…
Practice self-care: whether this is taking a long bath, reading a good book, or watching a comfortable movie, try and do things that make you feel better instead of dwelling on the could haves and should haves
Reach out to others!: Loneliness and being alone aren't necessarily the same thing. Being Lonely is more of a feeling even if you are surrounded by everyone who cares about while being alone is a physical act. If you have these feelings, connecting with others might help you feel less isolated
Volunteer: Being around strangers and helping out might make you feel better. You can donate your time to local food banks and help give meals to those you might not have. Doing good in your community and helping others can help you take your mind off things.
Financial pressure during the holidays and how to manage it?
As we all know, the holidays are a time of giving back, especially when Christmas comes around. This may lead to stress trying to find the perfect gift. Finding the perfect gift can lead to pressure to buy expensive items and more anxiety and stress around finances. To manage this, you can try to talk to your family and or friends in different ways to celebrate that fit into your budget, Establish a budget. Do not hesitate to ask for help when needed, and set boundaries!
Holiday Stress Affirmations!
I am not alone
I am loved
The Loneliness will pass
“I give and receive with grace.”
“I am deserving and worthy of all good things.”
“I treat myself with love and respect”
“I will let go of what no longer serves me”
“I will always have enough”
“I choose uplifting encounters, and I have the power to remove myself from negative situations”
“I have control over how I feel, and I choose to feel at peace”
Conclusion
The holiday season is a challenging time for many, this is why it is important to prioritize our Mental Health and learn ways to equip ourselves to be ready for those challenges. Remember to find what works for you. What do you think about trying affirmations to release stress during this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below.
Affirmations were found here
Author Alice Mills Mai is the Director of Centering Wholeness Counseling. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Ohio and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
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At Centering Wholeness Counseling, we understand that each person's experience is unique. That's why our therapists take a personalized approach, tailoring their techniques to meet your specific needs. We'll work together to identify your needs, explore your emotions, and implement practical tools to empower and strengthen your inner self.