We often associate the holidays with joyous celebrations, but for many this can be an extremely difficult time of the year. The holiday season often magnifies and intensifies our difficulties, and it can bring out stress, depression, family troubles, and loneliness.
We have a lot of cultural and commercial fantasies about what the holidays should look like. That often includes a never-ending list of demands, like cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining. High expectations, overcommitment, and fatigue can lead to heightened emotions and mood swings. And if you are in recovery, this in turn can lead to relapse.
Taking care of your mental health is important especially during this time of the year. Here’s some tips on how to make the most of the holidays.
Focus on what’s important
Think of what matters the most to you and try to focus on what makes you happy. You can skip everything that feels like a chore, including certain holiday traditions, large family gatherings, or buying presents.
Learn to say no
Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. If you are feeling stressed out, say no to extra commitments. There’s no obligation to attend every holiday party or go shopping for presents with your friends. Make some time for just yourself and find an activity that will boost your well-being.
Try not to have expectations
If you have high expectations and are trying to re-create the holiday magic from your childhood, you might be up for a disappointment. Try to keep things simple and don’t stress over every little detail. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. Traditions and rituals can change over time and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Be open to creating new traditions and news ways of celebrating.
Acknowledge your feelings
You should not force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. Realize that it’s normal to feel sadness or anxiety and it’s OK to cry or express your feelings.
Take a break from traditions
If you are grieving a loss, the rituals, sights, and aromas can trigger memories, many of which can be painful. Don’t force yourself to celebrate if you are not up for it. You might consider taking a break from traditions and spending time in nature, going on a trip, or seeking out supportive company who understands what you are going through.
Stick to healthy routines
During the holidays, you might feel tempted to indulge on food, stay up late, and skip exercise. However, overindulgence can lead to more stress, anxiety, and guilt. Try to stick to healthy routines, like eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active. You can also add some new routines, like deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to your daily routine.
Seek out support
Reach out to trustworthy friends or family members or seek out community events. If you are not up to meeting people face to face, you can search for online support groups or virtual events or reach out to family or friends with a text or a video chat. Volunteering or doing something to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
If you are in recovery, many find it helpful to attend extra recovery meetings. Many recovery groups prepare a holiday phone list or provide numbers for a crisis helpline so that group members can reach out for immediate support if they need it.
Remember that no matter what you’re going through, help is available if you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use.
To find treatment or someone to talk to, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment
If you want to talk with someone at The Haven, please call us at (520) 623-4590 or fill out our online form
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