While the holidays are coined the happiest season of all, for many this time of year is more of a blue than white Christmas. Although anyone can experience holiday blues, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 64% of people living with mental illness experience the holiday blues. Mental illness or not, with these tips, you can make it the “Most Well-Ful Time of Year.”
https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2014/Mental-health-and-the-holiday-blues)
https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2014/Mental-health-and-the-holiday-blues)
 | #1 Recognize What Triggers Your Holiday Stress Learning to recognize your holiday triggers allows you to plan accordingly and combat them before they strike. For example, if you experience financial pressures during the holiday season, establishing and sticking to a budget can prevent undesired financial anxiety. Many experience stress and feelings of being overwhelmed during this season. By assessing your schedule and prioritizing your responsibilities and commitments, you can ensure that you do not overcommit yourself. Source: (https://gph.is/2izUAuP) |
| #2 Put the Drama Aside and Establish Boundaries with Family For many, spending time with family can bring upon stress and even feelings of dread. While it can be difficult, setting aside differences and being thankful that you have family to spend the holidays with is the best way to avoid family drama. Gravitate towards positivity and the people in your family that make you feel loved. Establishing boundaries with family is also important during the holidays. If you only feel comfortable staying the night one night rather than the whole weekend, share that while you are looking forward to seeing them, you would feel better staying at your own home for the rest of the weekend. Source: (https://gph.is/g/aXmKqVO) |  |
#3 Don’t Abandon Your Healthy Routines
Entering the holiday season can be a busy, on the go time of year which makes it tempting to want to abandon your healthy habits. Maintaining your healthy routines can boost your well-being during the holidays. Just like the rest of the year, be sure to get a healthy amount of sleep. Wondering why sleep is so important and how to improve your sleep? Read our last post here. Source: (https://gph.is/1aRGKdk)
Incorporating some kind of physical activity, whether a short walk or even just opting to take the stairs, can improve your well-being. Some struggle with depression during the winter months because of Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern. Even for those without this form of depression, walking outside in the sun can be an effective centering and calming tool. Numerous studies have pointed to the mental health benefits of spending time in nature, including stress relief, better concentration, lower levels of inflammation, and improved mental energy.
Feeling under the weather is also common during the holidays, with travel and busyness, your health can be compromised. Be sure to wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, and consider wearing a mask while traveling to prevent the spread of the cold and flu. Source: (https://gph.is/2chO87B)
Additional Sources:
(https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2017/Managing-Your-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays)
https://gph.is/g/aXmJwJp
https://gph.is/2j4ugfH
Contributing Writer: Madison Skipper, Daybreaker Solutions
Entering the holiday season can be a busy, on the go time of year which makes it tempting to want to abandon your healthy habits. Maintaining your healthy routines can boost your well-being during the holidays. Just like the rest of the year, be sure to get a healthy amount of sleep. Wondering why sleep is so important and how to improve your sleep? Read our last post here. Source: (https://gph.is/1aRGKdk)
Incorporating some kind of physical activity, whether a short walk or even just opting to take the stairs, can improve your well-being. Some struggle with depression during the winter months because of Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern. Even for those without this form of depression, walking outside in the sun can be an effective centering and calming tool. Numerous studies have pointed to the mental health benefits of spending time in nature, including stress relief, better concentration, lower levels of inflammation, and improved mental energy.
Feeling under the weather is also common during the holidays, with travel and busyness, your health can be compromised. Be sure to wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, and consider wearing a mask while traveling to prevent the spread of the cold and flu. Source: (https://gph.is/2chO87B)
Additional Sources:
(https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2017/Managing-Your-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays)
https://gph.is/g/aXmJwJp
https://gph.is/2j4ugfH
Contributing Writer: Madison Skipper, Daybreaker Solutions
RSS Feed