Maria Ho Instagram – Are you feeling holiday fab or in a holiday funk?
If the glitz and cheer of the holiday season makes you feel stressed, anxious, or lonely instead – you’re not alone.
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season. The added stress over the holiday months can lead to increased physical illness, depression and anxiety symptoms, emotional eating and other unhealthy habits, and alcohol and substance misuse.
Why are the holidays so challenging sometimes? People often feel that during the holidays, they lack time and energy to do everything they need to at work and at home. Financial pressures build when your family and friends want to go on holiday trips and attend special events. Thinking about who you need to prepare gifts for and what you should buy adds more to your cognitive load. The holidays is also a time where people reflect on losses in their lives, so grief can take over and make it difficult to feel joyous. Finally, increased family gatherings brings up unresolved issues and make it even more difficult to get into the holiday spirit.
Knowing this and being prepared will make all the difference. This is the time to commit to your mental wellness even more. Check out my top tips below!
1. Make sure you stick to routines. Your brain will love you for it and knowing what to expect helps you to get the R and R you need.
2. Do one self-care/mental wellness activity a day. As long as it’s intentional, even a super short one (like 10 deep breaths) will make a big difference for your mental resilience.
3. Know your limits. You can’t be all things to all people and take on everything and do it well. This is the season to prioritize and learn to say no to extra obligations.
Check out my FREE mental health advent calendar by going to my link in bio @drjudyho. Join me in taking care of your mental health while counting down to Christmas! | Posted on 01/Dec/2022 05:00:58
