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Holidays are a time to spread joy and happiness, but they can also be the most stressful period of the year. You have the pressure to show up for events, spend money and prepare large meals for your loved ones. These activities are likely to affect your mental fitness. Luckily there are tips to keep your mental health in check during the festive season. Keep reading this blog to learn some tips.
1- Spend Time Outdoors
If the weather is favorable, step outside and get some fresh air and sunshine. Take a walk in the neighborhood in the evening. Being in nature is said to promote mental well-being. In addition, consider simple workouts like yoga. They'll make you feel good.
2- Keep Your Expectations Manageable
Managing the expectations you have for the holiday will save you from disappointment. Maybe your loved ones need to feel the vibe to go partying. Or, they are too excited about the holiday beyond your taste. Take time to assess the situation and prepare for the outcome.
3- Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
Sometimes, it's hard to speak up for yourself before family and friends. Say no to the things you are not interested in or don't have time for. So, learn to get comfortable when declining offers and invitations from your loved ones. However, it would help if you did it in a kind manner.
4- Find a Support Group
Joining a support group is an incredible way to realize that you are not alone. Solitude during the holiday is common, especially if you have issues you haven't shared with close friends. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your feelings or judge would be best. You'll enjoy talking to them because they accept you for who you are.
5- Eat Well
People tend to overindulge during the festive season. What you eat impacts your mental wellness. For instance, too much sugar has long and short-term effects on your mental health and general well-being. So, take everything in moderation and remember to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
6- Seek Help if You Need to
Reaching out to people if you are struggling with mental issues is one of the essential things you should do. Talk to your friends and family about the situation. If the problem is beyond their control, consider professional help. The good news is that you don't need to go to the facility physically. Some therapy centers offer online services.
7- Make Time for Self-care
When things become too overwhelming, take some time aside for self-care. Don't focus too much on other people's needs and forget your own. Treat yourself to a spa or find somewhere quiet to relax and unwind. It will help you re-energize and boost your mood for celebration.
8- Shower Others With Kindness
Holidays are a period of giving and sharing with the people around you. Donate to a charity organization for a cause you care about. Sharing also involves small acts of kindness, for instance, volunteering to help out a stranger. This will help lift your mood and make you feel good about yourself.
During the festive season, you will likely experience a mixture of positive and negative feelings. They all have the potential to harm your mental well-being. But the above tips will help you healthily relieve holiday anxiety and depression.