5 Simple Self-Care Practices for The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a challenging time for many people. I have never been a big fan of Christmas. Due to the pressure of buying gifts, the stress of traveling, attending family gatherings, and the expectation to feel happy and joyful. The shorter days, colder weather, and lack of sunlight can lead to negative emotions and depression. Being employed in a job that revolves around the holiday season can also add to the stress. It is essential to acknowledge that these feelings are normal and valid, and it is possible to cope and receive support. In this article, you’ll find five simple things you can do to manage your mental health better during the holidays, which can have a significant impact on your mood.

1. Meditation

One way to manage your mental health during the holiday season is to incorporate meditation into your daily routine. While I was in EMDR therapy, my therapist asked me to think of a place that made me feel calm and safe. (Read more about my journey here.) She asked for a place I had recently visited and could vividly picture in my head. After focusing on this place for just a few short minutes, I could calm my breathing and whole body.

Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on just your breath or something relaxing. This simple technique can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being. Meditation can help reduce stress and provide many other beneficial features. There are many different types of meditation, so it’s important to find one that works best for you. A few types of are guided meditation, mantra meditation, and mindfulness meditation. Click on any link to read more about each. Meditation can be powerful for improving your mental health and finding peace during the hectic holiday season.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Start a gratitude journal during the holidays. Acknowledging what you’re grateful for can be another easy way to improve your mental health and overall well-being. I have a couple of ways to incorporate gratitude into my stressful days. One is with a small gratitude book with prompts. I also use meditation to focus on the people, things, and experiences I have had, which make my life more joyful.

Reflecting on what you are grateful for can help you shift your focus from anxious thoughts and feelings to positive, relaxing ones. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of shopping, cooking, and entertaining. Taking the time to appreciate the small things in life can make a big difference. Your gratitude journal can be as simple as a notebook where you write down three daily things you are thankful for. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea, a hug from a loved one, or watching a sunset, focusing on the good in your life can help you feel more content and at peace.

3. Make Time for Yourself

The holiday season is often filled with activities and social obligations that can be overwhelming and exhausting. Just after my daughter was born, I had multiple family gatherings to attend and gifts to buy. I felt a lot of stress and anxiety about attending everything and also preparing a modest Christmas morning celebration for my family. And did I mention I had a newborn? Making time for yourself during the holidays can also help to maintain good mental health and well-being.

It’s important to remember to give yourself permission to take a break and prioritize your own needs. A relaxing bath, reading a book, or walking can help you recharge and feel more centered. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of the holiday season. You will also enjoy the time spent with loved ones. If you find this one difficult, ask a loved one for support. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary.

4. Just Say No

As I’ve said, the holiday season can come with a lot of pressure to attend events, buy gifts, and participate in various activities. However, it’s also important to remember saying no is okay. As my daughter got a little older, I eventually just had to say no to some obligations. It all became too much for her and me. You don’t have to attend every party or buy expensive gifts to show your love and appreciation for others. It’s essential to prioritize yourself, and sometimes that means saying no to certain obligations. Saying no can be empowering and liberating, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Enjoy the holiday season in a way that feels fun and fulfilling to you. Remember, you are in charge of your own boundaries, and it’s okay to set them.

5. Adjust Your Expectations

Lastly, adjusting our expectations is sometimes necessary to avoid disappointment and stress during the holidays. Getting caught up in the idea of having the perfect holiday with perfect gifts, decorations, and experiences is easy. One year, I went into a full-blown panic attack on Christmas Eve after I put everything under the tree. Did I get enough? Will she be happy with what I got her? It was too late to do anything about it now. All these thoughts led me to not enjoy just being with my family on Christmas Eve.

Striving for perfection can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction. Instead, try to focus on creating meaningful memories and experiences with loved ones. This can be done through simple traditions or quality time spent together. Adjusting your expectations can help you enjoy the holiday season more fully and reduce stress and anxiety. Remember, the holiday season is about being present and appreciating the people in your life, not about perfection.

Remember, the holiday season should be fun and bring you joy. I hope these tips help make everyone’s holidays do just that. Enjoy! Thanks for reading. –xxooC