Holidays for Mental Wellness

Written by John Potter

The holidays are an increasingly stressful and sad time for many people. Statistics prove that suicide rates are generally higher. Individuals solve financial issues by pulling out the plastic. But, the consequences last months or years after the season ends. Mental health becomes an issue for people that have recently lost loved ones or do not have the family portrayed in all of those sappy Christmas films. To preserve mental health during the season, part one revealed 4 coping skills: acknowledgement, finding people and purpose, accept change, and sticking to a budget. In part 2, find out additional ways to cope with the holidays and stay mentally healthy.

Forgive

Many barriers to enjoying the holidays are matters of the heart. Bitterness and grudges keep people from celebrating life. For some, the reasons for the hard feelings are even forgotten; but, the ill-feelings remain.

Negative feelings hurt the person(s) refusing to forgive and loved ones. It means missing time with family and friends, and the opportunity to enjoy the holidays. Now is the time to set aside differences.

Have a Plan

The stress of the holidays is often associated with all of the extra activities and shopping that come with the busy season. Going to work, taking care of the home, and keeping up with the additional activities is exhausting! It takes any joy out of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Therefore, it helps to have a plan.

First, do not wait until the last minute to do the shopping. For baking and cooking, take the time to sit down and make a comprehensive list. Have enough, so if something goes wrong, it does not mean an emergency trip to the store, for something like more pie crust fixings.

For the expense of Christmas, do not wait until after Thanksgiving and wonder how all of the shopping is going to get done. Some people start buying and stashing gifts in January for next Christmas. Then, only make a purchase if it fits into the budget. Plan ahead.

Just Say ‘No’

An individual cannot be all things to all people. It is okay to decline invitations. Purchasing gifts that are unaffordable is not worth the months of stress after the holidays. Stick to a budget and just say ‘no’. Truthfully, a realfriend will appreciate a plate of cookies or a heartfelt gift more than an expensive, trendy present that may only end up on a shelf somewhere. No one should be forced to conform to holiday expectations or enjoy an event, even after the recent loss of a loved one. Do what is enjoyable. Feel free to say ‘no’ to the other activities.

Do not Over-Indulge

Many people throw healthy habits out of the window, during the holidays. Then, when life gets back to normal and clothes no longer fit, guilt replaces any joy. During the season, keep healthy habits. Go ahead and eat that piece of pie, but use a little self-restraint.

Also, when the stress of the holidays starts to feel overwhelming, start exercising. Consider it a two-for-one activity. Keep the holidays from leaving a few extra pounds behind, and get those endorphins working, to keep the stress and depression of the season at bay.

Take Time

When the pressures of the holiday season begin to overwhelm, take time to relax. Find a quiet corner. Have a cup of tea. Read a good book. Daydream about walking on a quiet beach, with the sand oozing between the toes. Listen to some music. The idea is to take some time alone, to take a deep breath.

Make some rules. For 15 minutes, no one is to interrupt the quiet time, unless the house is burning down, or someone requires a trip to the emergency room. Of course, it means picking a safe time, when the baby is napping and another adult is around to watch young children. But, for one quarter of an hour, quiet time provides peace and calm. Renewed energy and spirit helps a lot of people cope better with stressful situations.

Resolutions

Who says resolutions are necessary every year? Most people forget them or give up, when it is discovered that the promise is impossible. Forget it! If the need for a resolution is overwhelming, pick something reasonable. Continue healthy habits. Resolve to take 15 minutes every day for self.

Do not pick something that is most likely to fail. Pick something realistic and attainable. For many people, losing weight is a resolution. Get rid of 50 excess pounds. Unfortunately, these individuals forget that it took 5-10 years to gain that weight, and it might take some time to get rid of those pounds.
Instead, decides to eat more fruits and vegetables, cut down on portions, take a walk at least 3 times a week, and make other healthy choices. Surprise!One day, a visit to the scale will reveal the absence of a pound or two.

In short, mental health and the holidays is largely an individual choice. Of course, no one chooses to lose a loved one or not be able to afford a trip home for celebrations. But, it is a choice how to handle a celebratory season, when life is less than festive. Instead of being overwhelmed, use coping skills and give self-permission to mourn, say ‘no’, take personal time, stick to the budget and more. Do not let the holidays become a source of stress for months before and after.