But for many people, the holiday season is actually thesaddestorloneliesttime of year.
Fromfinancial strainto family dysfunction, the holidays can amplify existing problems.
So its no surprise that research shows mental health problems increase this time of year.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Yet, therapy attendance rates often decline this time of year.
But you likely dont need to read a study on that to confirm that its true.
Theres a good chance you feel the stress and see it in those around you.
Do you want to focus on spending time with your family?
Do you want to host a huge holiday party where you get everyone together?
Do you want a quiet low-stress holiday season where you dont do much out of the ordinary?
Having thatgoalin mind will help you decide what to say yes to and which invitations and opportunities to decline.
One way to solve that problem is to establish reasonable time limits for yourself.
When you have a deadline, youll be efficient.
Have a plan for what youll do when time runs out.
it’s possible for you to do this for other holiday tasks too.
It also keeps those little tasks from getting away from you.
Put some things on your calendar that are going to bolster yourmental strengththis year.
Think of those healthy activities as an investment.
Limit Things That Aren’t Good for Your Mental Health
The holidays make ittemptingto indulge in so many ways.
Identify your personal traps.
Perhaps you like to buy yourself a few too many treats when youre shopping for others.
Or maybe you love to eat holiday chocolates, cookies, and candy.
But, you regret your decisions when you feel sluggish from a sugar crash later.
Perhaps you spend a lot of timelooking at what other people are doingon social media.
And get smart about limiting them.
Ask yourself, how many gifts do you recall receiving last year?
You might not remember any gifts from just a year ago.
Then, think about the future.
How likely is it that this person will remember the gift you got them next year?
Its not likely at all.
Apply this strategy to other holiday things as well.
If you pressure yourself to decorate perfectly, ask yourself how someone elses decorations looked last year.
You likely cant remember.
So remind yourself, no one will remember how your decorations look next year either.
For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amyhere.
Mental Health and the Holiday Blues.
National Alliance on Mental Health.
