Just like that, the holidays are upon us. Christmas is literally just around the corner, and before you know it, we’ll be well into the New Year. While this is the season to be jolly. Unfortunately this holiday season doesn’t have us feeling merry enough. And that’s expected. With everything going on, it might be a little difficult to enjoy the holidays. But then again, because of everything going on, it’s exactly why we should. We’re here to give you a few tips on how you can focus on your mental health. So that you can spend the festive season with relish.
1- Validate your feelings
The holidays are about gatherings with friends and extended family and seeing loved ones you may have not seen in what feels like forever. For a lot of us that have family abroad that just isn’t possible right now. So you need to expect and accept feeling upset. It is what it is. Don’t be hard on yourself for not being your jolly-self because all that’s going to do is make you feel worse. It’s also important to know that you are not a lone. Holidays always see a spike in the number of people experiencing loneliness or depression, and a global pandemic is bound to double that number.
2- Understand things are different this year
Understand and explain to your kids why the holidays might be looking a little different this year, and that it’s okay. Change is difficult to accept, but can also be a valuable lesson for children that life is unexpected and we need to accept and live with what we’re dealt.
3- Remember the little things
Understanding what’s different is one thing but dwelling on them is something else entirely. Yes there are many things you’ll be missing out on, but there are still things to look forward to. So, focus on the little things, Christmas décor, giving and receiving Christmas gifts, the looks on your kids’ faces on Christmas morning etc…
4- Don’t be afraid to set rules
If you’re planning on hosting a festive dinner at your place but are worried about Covid, don’t be afraid to set rules. If you want your guests to wear a mask, then ask them to or better yet provide them with these disposable masks! Your house, your rules. And this maybe the one time people will understand these types of concerns. You shouldn’t have to stress yourself out because you’re worried about what your guests might think. After all, it’s for their own safety too.
5- Make new Christmas traditions
Christmas can be celebrated in so many different ways. If you can’t attend a big family dinner, and are not willing to host friends over, then plan something else with your little ones. Rid yourself of the stress of hosting and all that comes with that and instead, actually enjoy the holiday. You could have a small feast and watch a cozy Christmas movie maybe, or even plan a fun family game night.
6- Connect with family
While you might not be able to physically be with your family, there are always way to connect and feel close. Make it a point to call your extended family and have your kids speak to their grandparents or cousins. Also, just because you can’t be there in person to hand them a gift, why not have one sent to their address?
There are also daily activities you can incorporate into your life to fight off depression and keep your mental health in the best state possible. Whether or not you feel the need to, these are still important habits to have.
7- Stay Active
Physical activity is known to help fight depression and boost your mood. So, to combat those blues, make it a point to incorporate any physical activity into your day, no matter how long. Whether it’s a quick 10 -minute jog in the morning, or an afternoon workout, you’ll find yourself feeling much happier after.
8- Sleep & Eat Well
Not getting enough sleep will carry tremendous consequences on your mood and mental health, as will not eating well enough. To feel your best, you need to rest and fuel up on healthy nutritious meals. Not having an appetite is a warning sign of, and will also feed into and augment, depression.
9- Talk to someone
Anytime you find yourself in a funk, talk to someone. It’s good to discuss how we’re feeling and to confide in someone we know will listen. Even if you feel like there’s no solution or end, you’ll feel a lot better sharing the burden instead of carrying it yourself and bottling everything in.
10- Journal
We’re seeing a huge trend in journaling lately and for good reason. Journaling can have great positive effects on your mental health. Make a habit out of writing things down everyday; what makes you happy, what’s upsetting and why, what you feel grateful for, etc.. Writing things down can help you cope with anxiety. Designating a set amount of time to be a lone with your thoughts and process your feelings will work wonders for your mental health.
11- Meditate
An oldie but a goodie! Meditating has been known to lower levels of stress and anxiety. Find the time to meditate for a few minutes a day, whether it’s in the morning before you start your day, or roll out your yoga mat at the end of it before you sleep.
