Holiday Stress Relief: 10 Ways to Manage Christmas Stressors & Your Mental Health by Stephanie Cannoe

As the excitement of the holidays approaches, so does the demands and expectations for the season. Quality time spent with family and friends is necessary for your overall health and wellness, but we all know that these demands on our time and finances can be equally challenging, especially during the pandemic. 

Maintaining a healthy balance is important. Here are a few tips on how you can take care of yourself and keep the holiday spirit this season:

• Gratitude is the glue that holds it all together! Practice gratitude.

• Rest! Take time for yourself and make self-care a priority.

• Go tech free for the holidays. Create a new family activity.

• Stay in the unknown! We can all let go of our expectations.

• Volunteer your time for those in need. Give for the sake of giving.

• Do less – ENJOY more!

Please remember that stress during the holidays can act as triggers to your mental health. The holidays can be a reminder of the loss of a loved one and holiday depression. Stress and anxiety during this time of the year can be managed. Here are additional tips for mental wellness during the holidays: 

• Loneliness and isolation can be a concern for many people during the holidays. If you are having a tough time during this season, make sure to tell people to check up on you. Acknowledge your feelings and reach out.
  

• If the holidays trigger reminders of the loss of a loved one, it is important to spend time with supportive and caring people who understand what you are experiencing. Local support groups are a good option, if you need extra support.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common and is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.

• Speak to a mental health professional in your community about the options that are available if you find yourself to have increased symptoms of tiredness, depression, mood changes, irritability, trouble concentrating, body aches, insomnia, decreased interest in activities and overeating.

Learn to recognize your holiday triggers. With a little planning and a lot of compassion, you can better manage your mental health and take control of the holiday stress and your triggers, so that you can enjoy peace and joy this holiday season!

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