The holidays allow us to relax, spend time with family, and reflect on the things that bring us joy in life. They can also be stressful and challenging for many. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season. Increased stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The increased stress can be because of local time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
These stresses can be a reality for so many. Just last year, a RAND Corporation study found that the coronavirus pandemic is creating a significant spike in psychological distress among Americans, with the first month of the pandemic causing as much distress in the same number of individuals that experienced it during the whole previous year. As the pandemic continues to rage on, it can increase the amount of stress individuals are dealing with around the holidays, making time spent with family and friends difficult. The constant anxiety of making sure you keep your family safe and healthy is at the top of mind with all the other stresses that come with life.
How Can We Take Care of Our Mental Health During the Holidays?
We should go into the holiday season with family and friends with a little more grace for ourselves and those around us. Just being mindful of what everyone is going through and being grateful for their presence in your life can help us all be a little more forgiving during this time. The National Association for Mental Illness in California pulled together some ideas to help reduce stress and make sure you are maintaining good mental health during the holidays:
- Accept your needs: Remember always to put your own mental and physical needs first! It can be hard to do sometimes, especially around the holidays. But always know that if you make sure you are your happiest self, you can better be there for others.
- Write a gratitude list and offer thanks: As most of you already know, this is something we preach almost daily at Major League University. In the last podcast, our very own Austin Byler discussed the importance of reflecting on what you are grateful for. Even when it might seem like the world is coming down around us, there is always something we can be thankful for.
- Manage your time: It can be very easy to overexert yourself. Especially when you go home from the holidays and feel like you have to be there for everyone, make sure you set a schedule and prioritize your time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Also, make sure to prioritize time for yourself, whether reading a book, listening to your favorite music, etc. Finding time for the things you love is still significant.
- Set boundaries: This is another common theme that we touch on at Major League University. Control what you can control. We often try to fix things that are far out of our control.
- Practice Relaxation: Take care of your body and mind by practicing breathing techniques, stretching, or meditation. Those moments you take for yourself can play an essential role in your mental well-being.
- Exercise daily: This is a big one. During the holidays, we can tend to divert from our workout routines. Make sure you take time for physical activity. Even if it is 30 minutes a day, go out for a walk or a slight jog.
- Get enough sleep: Make sure to be well-rested. A good night’s sleep will help you function better emotionally daily.
- Volunteer: Giving back and doing acts of service can bring back a sense of meaning and purpose. Find something that inspires you to help others and maybe inspires others.
- Spend Time in Nature: Nature can reduce stress. Even though it might be cold where you are, find time to get outdoors and go for a walk through the woods, on the beach, or at a local park.
What Else Can You Do?
You can also take care of yourself and those around you during the holidays by:
- Taking care of your emotional health: We discussed the importance of prioritizing your mental health in a previous blog. Take the time to put routines in place that help your mental and emotional well-being. Don’t be afraid to seek out help from others or professionals. And make sure to take time to keep up with therapy if you already see one.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news: It is great to be informed, but sometimes all that information can be overwhelming. With the new 24/7 news cycle, we are constantly inundated with the news. Make sure you take a break for your mental well-being
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals: This can be extremely difficult during the holidays, but make sure you balance all those fantastic Christmas cookies with some healthy meals!
- Connect with others: Connect with those around you who mean a lot to you. Having that sense of community can be helpful in a time where it is hard to find that. Talk with the people you trust about how you feel and what your concerns are.
We all know the holidays are a time of joy for so many, but also hard for those struggling with mental battles or the anxiety and stress of the pandemic. Remember to go easy on yourself during this time and take care of you and those around you. Always know that there are supports out there that can help you and never hesitate to reach out when in need. We are all in this together! We at Major League University wish you all the happiest of Holidays and a Happy New Year!
