Many people find the holiday season to be stressful. If you suffer from a mental health condition, anxiety tends to be even worse during this time of the year. Here are some coping mechanisms to put into play when mental health and holidays have you stressed.
Do Not Overbook Your Schedule
During the holiday season, people have plenty to do with friends, family, and coworkers. It is hard to keep up on top of activities and events, and schedule all you need to do becomes difficult. Take your schedule into consideration and do your best to keep enough time free for you to unwind when you need to. Overbooking your schedule is a sure way to run into situations where you feel stressed out from all that you need to do.
Learn How To Say No To Others
If you agree to attend every event you are invited to, or if you are asked to donate your time, and you do so out of guilt, you are bound to feel stressed. Those with mental conditions need time for themselves instead of catering to others. If you come into an encounter with a situation where you are expected to perform, instead of instantly agreeing, step back, and assess the pros and cons beforehand. If the situation is one that you would feel better skipping, decline.
Try To Enjoy Holiday Favorites
You are likely to have parts of the holiday season that you enjoy. These activities or traditions should be first and foremost in your schedule. Allow for time for these events, so you have the opportunity for positivity rather than expectations from others.
Include Family And Friends
The holidays are much more exciting if they are experienced with those you care about. Make sure to set aside time to be with friends and family during the holiday season. If you feel overly stressed or filled with anxiety, reach out to those people and let them know your stance. Sometimes being around others helps to relieve stress.
Take Time To Pamper Yourself
Step away from all that is involved with the holidays if you are feeling anxious. Instead of focusing upon the holidays, focus on yourself and your mental health. Book a day at a spa to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Give yourself the treat of a day with no holiday activities and instead see a movie or read a book at your leisure. Go shopping and purchase yourself an item you have wanted for a while.
Give Back To Promote Positivity
In addition to the possibility of stress or anxiety around the holidays, there is also the chance of sadness. Many people feel depressed when the holiday season rolls around. This is because of the loss of a loved one, the feeling of inadequacy with gift-giving or monetary donations, or needing to spend the holidays alone. Instead of focusing on the bad parts of the holiday season, consider investing time to give to others. Directing your energy toward a positive activity, such as collecting funds for those less fortunate or spreading joy with music, helps forget about stress and anxiety associated with the season.
Get Help When It Is Needed
Speaking to someone about your feelings during the holidays is a way to get through the season with less anxiety, depression, and stress. Don’t be afraid to seek counseling services to help you learn how to react in particular situations throughout the holiday season or attend group sessions. Group sessions can help people with mental health issues find alternate ways of getting through the holidays with the least disruption to their mental state.
At Treatment Connection, we provide those struggling with mental health issues educational resources and a means to connect with appropriate treatment providers. Start your search today.
