During the holiday season, it’s so important to prioritize yourself so you have room for the other people in your life. While the holidays can be filled with joy and gatherings, it can also bring on high pressure and stress. Balancing life with being social, financial pressures, family obligations, and work deadlines, the holiday season can feel very overwhelming. Making your mental health a priority during the holidays is essential for balancing everything in your life. Online therapy is one of the best ways to help you navigate the season with less pressure and learn how to enjoy it. Therapy can be costly and doing the holidays it may be hard to shell out money to therapy when there is a financial burden to get gifts and be social. Reduced rate therapy can help you invest in yourself without breaking the bank. Mental health should be a priority during this stressful season to help you enjoy it as well.
How to face increased social pressure and expectation
The holiday season is filled with getting together with new friends, old friends, family that you see often and family that you haven’t seen since the holidays last year. This leads to increased social pressure and expectations that you have to be “perfect.” The pressure to be “perfect” can be very emotionally draining and can lead to a lot more stress than expected. Imperfections are part of life and the process, no holiday has to look like the movies or the magazines with the picture perfect family. Remember social media is a highlight reel, you don’t know what is happening behind the photos people are posting. Embrace the moments that matter, such as connecting with loved ones or enjoying time to yourself to remember what you find special about the holiday season.
Coping with financial stress
Financial stress is so common during the holiday season when everyone feels pressure to get everyone a gift and often it gets more expensive than one thinks they are going to spend. These pressures can create anxiety and stress and lead to guilt or regret after the money has been spent. An article from Mclean Hospital, talks about the guide to managing mental health around the holidays.In the article it states, “Consider how much money you can comfortably spend and stick to the amount. If purchasing gifts for everyone is difficult, consider having a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange to reduce the number of items everyone needs to buy. You can also simply let people know you are unable to give gifts this year.” “You can also give the gift of helping a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or a stranger. It’s the act of giving that is more important than a present. Our generosity can be a gift to ourselves, because when we focus on others and less on ourselves, we tend to reduce our anxiety.” Stress management is so important to help cope with the season of gift giving.
Why to practice self care
Practicing self care during this time of year is so important to one’s mental health.
According to Hopkins Medicine, “the holidays are usually a time for joy and celebration. But, this merry season can be stressful for some folks. According to a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, Americans are five times more likely to say their level of stress increases rather than decreases (41% to 7%) during the holidays.” It is essential to practice self care in order to remain true to yourself and allow yourself ease. Mindfulness can be especially helpful during the holiday season as it allows you to remain centered in the present moment. It can be as simple as taking a few breaths when feeling overwhelmed or practicing giving yourself compassion. Remember all the things that serve you outside of the season including reading a good book, taking a walk, or engaging in your favorite hobby.
Prioritizing mental health during the holiday season allows you to enjoy the time more fully and handle the challenges with more ease. By learning how to face increased social pressure and expectation, coping with financial stress and engaging in self care, will allow you to prioritize your mental health this holiday season. When you care for yourself first, you are able to better show up for others around you which will make the holiday season more meaningful.
Ready to prioritize your mental health this holiday season?
- Contact Manhattan Wellness or email us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Schedule your first appointment with one of our therapists to help you cope with the stress
- Make this holiday season about you!
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