How to (Mentally) Prepare for the Holiday Season
The month of December is often decorated with trees, lights, ornaments, jolly snowmen, and cheer. It is a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy family traditions, but for others, the holidays are a time that can highlight loneliness and being without.
We are bombarded with cooking meals, visiting, baking, and shopping for the perfect gift and it can be challenging at times to find peace amongst the chaos. Travelling, dealing with relatives and extended family you never see and successfully avoid all year, and navigating through family dynamics can also be triggering and stress inducing.
Experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression is not, by any means, uncommon during the holiday season. Especially with all the obligations and demands that accompany it. Here are a few tips to establish and maintain personal boundaries to get through the holidays and maintain some sense of sanity into the new year.
Check-in with yourself
If you are an introvert and feel like you need to recharge after social situations, the holidays can be very overwhelming. Learn to say no, knowing your “socializing limits” and temporarily removing yourself from the festivities can be helpful to avoid feeling burnt out. Try out some breathing exercises to lower levels of distress.
Keep Political Conversations Civil
As challenging as this can be, try to set your differences aside and be respectful of other people’s views. You don’t have to agree with your cousin’s questionable conspiracy theories but try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations.
Pick your battles
Set aside conflict with family members until a more appropriate time for discussion. Try to be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something doesn’t go as planned. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress too.
Be kind to yourself
If you are someone that is committed to eating healthy all-year round, the holidays can pose lots of temptations to overindulge. Self-compassion can go a long way when you miss a day at the gym or eat one too many gingerbread cookies but try not to abandon all your healthy habits and routine. Moderation and balance are key.
Put your electronics away
As much as your phone can be a tool to help you doge awkward small talk with family, try being present and enjoying the time. It is important to make your own meaning of the holidays, and your work emails and social media will be there for you after you are done visiting.
If the holidays are an especially difficult time for you, or if you want support for other issues, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to a therapist. Our team at Changing Tides Counselling can help you gain coping skills, strategies and discuss all things feelings and emotions to help you through challenging experiences.
Book a free phone consult with our intern Sarah below to find out more information about our therapy services.