While finishing that holiday to-do list, be sure you check off the boxes that address your well-being. Are you feeling calm or stressed by the rush to get everything accomplished?
An Ohio State University Extension Live Healthy Live Well blog addressed ways to protect your peace this holiday season. The author, Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences program specialist, wrote that the holidays are often considered a time of joy, gatherings with friends and family, and festive cheer. However, the pressures of gift-giving, social events, and expectations can sometimes take a toll on your mental health and steal the joy of the holiday season. According to the American Psychiatric Association, almost 9 in 10 adults report concerns about stress during the holiday season.
If you’re experiencing increased stress or struggling with your mental health during the holidays, know that you are not alone. It is common to feel a mix of emotions during this time. Here are some tips to help you protect your peace this holiday season.
- Set realistic expectations and embrace imperfection – Holidays often highlight the gap between expectations and reality. Whether it’s the pressure to plan a holiday party, a forgotten gift, or trying to meet everyone’s needs, remind yourself that no celebration is truly perfect. Focus on connection and enjoyment and creating meaningful moments over perfect events.
- Family time that works – Families can be both a source of joy and stress during the holidays. As you prepare to spend extended time with your immediate and extended family, prioritize your mental health. Give yourself permission to miss some events and not engage in every conversation. Knowing family members will have different viewpoints, do your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on similarities and replace tension with something productive. When possible, limit your time or take a break from the gathering by going for a walk, calling someone you enjoy talking to, or spending time alone.
- Practice self-care – it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget to look after yourself. Take time for your favorite activities, maintain your routine, get enough sleep, and say “no” to extra commitments. Scheduling time each day to read, meditate, or go for a walk improves your sense of well-being and reduces stress.
- Share your feelings – Spending time after a loss in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. It may make you feel better to share. Try to switch up old traditions to the ease the loss.
- Ask for help – if you know that this time of year can be difficult, make a plan to protect your peace. Lean on your safe friends and family and talk to your primary care provider or mental health provider. If you are having mental health crises, call or text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Your mental health and peace are just as important as your physical health. Take time to find your peace amid the hustle and bustle in order to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling holiday season.
Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu
This article was previsouly published in The Daily Record.