Hannah Baillie, General Member, Young Canadians Roundtable on Health
The holidays may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but they can also be one of the most stressful times, too. There are presents to be bought and wrapped, cookies to be baked, entertaining and cleaning to do, and so much more. Add in family dynamics, financial stress, and fewer hours of daylight, and it may become difficult to maintain good mental health.
If the holiday season is one that you find more stressful than joyful, here are seven steps you can take to protect and improve your mental health.
1. Say no to activities or invitations that you don’t have time for – or frankly, just don’t want to do. The holidays are a time of gathering and celebrating, but sometimes this infringes upon our much-needed downtime. This is especially true following several years of pandemic restrictions, as our social stamina may not be as high as it used to be. If you’re feeling burnt-out or tired, consider skipping that holiday party. It might be the best gift you can give yourself.
2. Set boundaries with family and friends. If you’re spending more time than usual with family or friends over the holiday season, be sure to set boundaries. Examples of boundary setting include limiting the amount of time you spend with certain family members, setting realistic expectations for your interactions with them, and avoiding gossiping about other family or friends. Setting boundaries doesn’t have to cause conflict. Instead, they show your relatives and friends that you value their presence, but also respect your own time and space.
3. Get some fresh air. Spending time in nature – even if it’s a bit colder than usual – improves mental health. Be sure to get outdoors for some fresh air over the holiday season, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Try taking a walk around the neighbourhood, going for a drive to see the holiday lights, or visiting your local tobogganing hill.
4. Keep a routine. Humans are creatures of habit. Whether we realize it or not, we crave predictability and structure. Sticking to a routine – even if it is different from our usual work or school routine – can help us feel calm and in control this holiday season. Try to eat and sleep regularly, get some physical activity, and be aware of the time you spend on social media.
5. Allow yourself to enjoy holiday foods. The holidays can be a difficult time of year for people with eating disorders. Holiday meals, less time for exercise, and other stressors can challenge the eating disorder’s rules around food and physical activity. On the bright side, this makes the holiday season a great time to fight back against an eating disorder. Remember that balance and moderation are part of a healthy lifestyle; enjoying a holiday meal with family or friends is a great way to create memories and show yourself that it is okay to participate in festive or cultural food experiences.
6. Do something for others. It’s easy to get wrapped up (pun fully intended) in the holiday rush. Taking time to volunteer and connect with your community can help you stay focused on what really matters this season. In fact, volunteering and doing something for others is a great way to overcome loneliness and improve mental health by giving you a sense of fulfillment. It can also be a fun activity to do with family and friends.
7. Reach out for support. If you are feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, reach out for support. This could come from a trusted friend, relative, or mental health professional. The holidays can be an emotional time of year with intense highs and lows, reflection on the year that has passed, and anticipation for the year ahead. Speaking with someone you trust can help to process these emotions and empower you to take control of your mental health in the New Year
Overall, the holiday season can be what you make of it. Whether this year is joyous and light, reflective and quiet, or celebratory and festive, try to find a balance that leaves you feeling fulfilled and energized for the year ahead. Your ideal holiday season may be different from someone else’s, and that’s totally okay. Spending time on what matters most to you is a great way to promote mental health and wellbeing during this time of year.
Additional resources for protecting mental health over the holidays:
https://cmha.ca/five-ways-to-protect-your-mental-health-this-holiday/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
https://www.jcfs.org/response/blog/how-support-someone-eating-disorder-during-holidays