Mental Health Matters: Five ways to prioritize your well-being over the Holidays
By Erin Teichroeb on November 17, 2023.
With the Holiday Season just around the corner, there are many festive things to look forward to. Holiday shopping for the special people in your life, lively celebrations with coworkers and friends, hosted gatherings with family from far and wide. For some, the Holidays are not a time filled with joy or laughter. They are spent in isolation or filled with feelings of loneliness that seem to get louder with each “Happy Holidays.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness found that “64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.” (2023) With all of the hustle and bustle that this season brings, it is so important that we make time to care for ourselves and our mental health. Here are five ways you can prioritize your well-being over the Holiday Season: 1. Schedule time for yourself. A walk outside, even in cooler temperatures, can be just what you need to reset and re-centre, but self-care can also look like a few minutes of intentional breathing. Try to schedule even a few minutes to yourself each day to do something that makes you feel good. 2. Set healthy boundaries for yourself and others. Large gatherings are not always great for everyone. They can feel overwhelming and often trigger feelings of anxiety. Limit guests to create a more intimate event and do not be afraid to say no. 3. Lower the bar and ask for help. We often put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to create the perfect “Hallmark movie” Holiday scenario. Focus on the time spent together and let go of unrealistic expectations. Delegate and ask for help. Allow others the opportunity to give back and be in service. 4. Make healthy choices. There will likely be ample opportunity to overindulge. Focus on making healthy choices where you can. If you know you will be partaking in Holiday cheer in the evening, have a balanced meal for lunch. Make sure you are drinking water throughout the day and move your body where you can. Small positive choices can have a big impact at maintaining balance and physical wellness. 5. Find purpose and give back. Many people in our community will struggle with basic needs over the Holidays. Volunteering with a local charity to support those in need can be a great way to feel purposeful and to have a real impact on the community. Look for reasons to feel joyful throughout your day and find hope through inspired action. Wishing you all a very safe and happy Holiday Season. If you find yourself still feeling overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety or sadness, or if your negative feelings are persistent or get in the way of your daily life, you should reach out for mental health support. To find out more about CMHA programs and/or events visit http://www.cmha-aser.ca. or call 403-504-1811. If you are in crisis, call the Distress Centre at (403) 1-800-784-2433. Practicum student Erin Teichroeb, Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region. 14-13
