The holidays can take a toll on our mental well-being. While we strive to enjoy and show gratitude around the holidays, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the stress of it all. And, because the holidays are often about giving, it’s easy to spread yourself too thin.
Many of us tend to sacrifice our mental health for the sake of others — but it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s possible to be available to others while still prioritizing your mental health. With the right strategies, you can end this holiday season feeling refreshed, happy, and healthy.
Put Yourself First
In our society, we tend to think that it’s selfish to put oneself first. However, it isn’t selfish at all. If you want to be kind to those around you, you have to be kind to yourself first. You can't pour from an empty cup. When you’re satisfied with your life, you can then help other people such as family or friends authentically. Don’t feel like you’re obligated to brighten everyone else’s holiday season at the cost of neglecting your own. Care for yourself first so you can care for others next.
Stay Organized
When stress hits during the holidays, it is often due to poor planning or lack of organization. You can eliminate stress by staying organized. Are you in charge of bringing a dish to a holiday gathering? Start looking for recipes early, so you’re not rushing to make something at the last minute. Does holiday shopping leave you feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Get a head start and do your shopping little by little. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have several things to do at once. Take your time and spread out your tasks — your mental health will thank you after the holidays are over.
Take Time for Yourself
There’s an emphasis on spending time with family and friends around the holidays. While many of us enjoy doing so, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have any alone time.
Make time to spend completely alone — not at work, not with your kids or spouse, and not with friends or extended family. Even simple routines like enjoying a cup of coffee in silence or reading a book can do wonders for your sense of peace. When you do spend time with family, you’ll feel much more patient, too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
It can be hard to say no, especially around the holidays. However, saying no is something that we all need to do sometimes. If you’d rather spend Christmas Eve at home than with extended family, you should do so. If your family makes you feel guilty, remember that you aren’t in the wrong. We are all still trying to navigate our own safety and well-being, and it’s okay to set boundaries that help you achieve those. By saying no instead of begrudgingly going along with something, you’re taking a large stride towards maintaining your mental well-being.
Talk to a Therapist
Even with these tips and strategies, you may still feel overwhelmed this holiday season. Fortunately, a therapist can help get you through even the most stressful moments. Many people feel alone when it comes to stress, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Therapy is more accessible than ever before, and your therapist can provide you with even more resources and tips.
We sacrifice a lot for others, but mental health doesn’t have to be one of those things. If the holiday season leaves you feeling overwhelmed or stressed, keep these strategies in mind as you move forward. One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is good health, so be kind to yourself and prioritize your mental well-being this holiday season. Once the holidays are over, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on a new, happier year.
Contact the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin for guidance on setting important boundaries for yourself this holiday season. Our therapists can provide tips, feedback, and support as you work to uphold your needs for self-care during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. To schedule a session, you can call our main office at (512) 270-4883, or request an appointment on the RCC Austin Scheduling page.
For more information: Individual Counseling