How to Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays
2020 has been a turbulent year for almost everyone, no matter where in the world you reside in. One of the most important things that everyone has in common is mental health, of some sort. Today, I want to discuss with you all about how to take care of your mental health during the holidays, and why you shouldn't neglect your mental health just to start anew in the new year.
Let's take care of our mental health!
Remind yourself that it's okay to enjoy the seasonal food/drinks
I understand if you are trying to be more active & trying to avoid certain foods in order to stay fit - but you have to be more gracious with yourself during the holiday season. Earlier in the week, I received a good amount of inspiration from the What We Said podcast episode titled "Health Tips for the Holidays". One of the many things Jaci & Chelsea mentioned was that food is a great part of the holidays, so don't let it stress you out. March to the beat of your own drum, and listen to your body about what it wants.
Don't feel guilty about wanting to enjoy your mom's famous pumpkin pie! You should enjoy these great parts of the holiday season.
Don't feel like you have to eat whatever everyone else is eating. If you don't want to eat more cake because you are full, that is 100% okay.
To listen to this podcast episode on Spotify, follow the link below!
Establish a morning routine, and add things gradually
Another thing I heard on this same episode of the What We Said podcast was to not put off starting a good morning routine until January. Morning routines, for me at least, help me stamp a new day & makes me feel like every day is not 100% the same. I know, it feels like March to December was a blur - but having a morning can definitely help you get set up for success so that way you are well-rested, healthy & not super stressed out.
Don't put off adding something new to your routine until January. If you are adding little things right now & keeping up with your current routine, you will have a way better starting point in January, than if you were to start your entire new morning routine in the new year. Try your best not to get in the cycle of "oh, I'll get started on that tomorrow." Instead, don't overwhelm yourself and add in 1 new task every week instead of the whole she-bang now.
Manage your expectations
Mentioned on the USA Mental Health First Aid site, it is important to remember that this year does not look the same as the holidays previously celebrated. By managing your expectations for yourself and others, it will help you stay more positive & remind you to be more gentle with yourself. This holiday season is a new experience for everyone, so make sure to remember that none of us have been through the holidays like this before, and we are all doing what we can to feel somewhat "normal."
Establish a hobby hour for things that bring you joy
As discussed on the Reid Health website, keeping a dedicated time for hobbies that bring you joy is a great idea for taking care of your mental health. By participating in this hobby regularly, it can relieve your stress & improve your mood. Doing the hobby hour with friends over Zoom or FaceTime can also prevent social withdrawal.
I know I am a very social butterfly, and have definitely felt the effects of social withdrawal within my own life. I believe that this self-care tip for your mental health is a great step into the right direction of productive self-care.
Develop a safety plan
Remember: this is to be used if you or someone else in your care is a risk to themselves or to others
If the current situation feels too overbearing, there are specific hotlines that exist to get you through the moment & into a better headspace. Please, do not feel helpless or weak for calling one of these hotlines. I have called the suicide & depression hotline before, and they were more than helpful to getting me on the right track before I started therapy.
These hotlines exist for everyone, so please take advantage of them.
SAMHSA's National Hotline (substance abuse and mental health services administration)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This is also a resource available to call in the case of a mental health crisis or emergency
Self Harm Hotline
Depression Hotline
If you reside outside the Continental United States, here is a link to help you find mental health resources available in your area.
I believe everyone in their lifetime deserves to take care of their mental health. No matter if you are low-income, from a different religion that doesn't regard mental health -- whatever it may be!
YOU DESERVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.
Not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.
