Managing Mental Health Over Christmas
The Christmas season is often painted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many, it can also bring stress, sadness, or feelings of isolation. Whether you're navigating holiday pressures, dealing with loss, or spending the holidays alone, prioritizing your mental health is essential. Here are some tips to help you maintain emotional balance and make the most of the season.
Top Tips for Managing Christmas:
The holidays are often idealized, and this creates pressure to meet unrealistic standards. Remind yourself that it’s not about creating the ‘perfect Christmas’ and it’s perfectly okay if the holidays don’t look like things you see on social media or in movies. Focus on what truly matters to you, whether it’s connecting with loved ones, practicing self-care, or simply resting. Try making a list of what’s most important to you this holiday season and let go of less meaningful obligations.
With indulgent meals and packed schedules, it’s easy to neglect self-care. Prioritize your physical health to support your mental well-being by eating well, making time for exercise, focusing on good sleep and getting outdoors as much as possible. Check out our other blogs for more information on why this is important for good mental health.
Try to set a total holiday budget to allow for all gifts, food, and activities over the holidays. You can track your spending to help you stay on track. You can also save money by getting creative with your gifts; handmade items and baked goods can be incredibly meaningful. Alternatively, opt for a family ‘Secret Santa’ or group exchange where you each only buy a gift for one person. If you are hosting dinner, you can invite your guests to each bring a course, this helps to keep costs down and share the workload.
Holiday gatherings can be lots of fun but also challenging, especially if family dynamics stir up old tensions. Setting and maintaining boundaries is essential to protect your mental well-being. Try to be clear about your limits and decide ahead of time what you’re comfortable with and communicate it calmly to those you struggle with. It’s important to be comfortable to say ‘no’ to events or requests you don’t want to attend or can’t comfortably facilitate. Be polite but firm to prevent burn out over the holidays. Be mindful that we can easily slip into ‘people pleasing’ habits, it’s natural to want to make everyone happy, but sacrificing your own needs can lead to resentment. Focus on what feels right for you. Remember, setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s an act of self-care that helps you show up more authentically and have an enjoyable and stress-free holiday.
Spending the holidays alone doesn’t have to be lonely, with a little planning and creativity, you can create a meaningful and enjoyable day. View this time as an opportunity to practice self-care and do things you love without interruptions. Take time to indulge in the things you might not normally do or have time for. For example, have a movie marathon, cook your favourite meals, or read all the books you’ve been meaning to start.
You could also create your own unique holiday rituals and traditions. For example, write down your goals for the upcoming year, take a winter walk, or treat yourself to something special. Helping others can also give you a sense of purpose and connection, perhaps find an opportunity to volunteer at a shelter, food bank, animal rescue or local charity. There are lots of organizations that welcome extra hands during the holidays.
If the holidays feel overwhelming or trigger deeper struggles, it’s important to seek help. Talking to an Accredited therapist can provide valuable tools and a safe space to process your emotions. If you need some support, contact us at Well Minds PTS.