Be true to yourself and practice healthy life habits in order to preserve a positive mental space.
The holiday season is about to begin and with it can come so many joys. For many people, this time of year marks a time to meet and gather with family and friends as you celebrate Thanksgiving, religious holidays, and the passing of another year. For others, however, the expected happiness that surrounds the holidays can bring about deep feelings that are quite the opposite. For many reasons, some people feel their worst during the holiday season.
If this is you, reach out to a counselor to talk about ways you can support yourself emotionally through this time. Share your feelings and experiences with those closest to you in order to take the burden off your shoulders, alone. Your social network is a valuable resource. It can help point you in the best direction if you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or uneasy.
While larger feelings of sadness and desperation need the help of a specialist, practicing overall wellness can help you revive your love of life, or kindle it anew. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests adhering to the following tips to help support emotional wellness.
Cope with loss
When someone close to you dies, it can feel difficult to carry on. Everyone deals with loss differently and grieving is an important step. Turn to healthy ways to support your grief. Talk to caring friends and join a support group. Talk to your doctor and give yourself time to recover. Mourning is a process that takes time and everyone moves at their own pace.
Grow your social connections
It’s been proven that a solid social network can be key when it comes to staying emotionally and physically healthy. Having a solid network to rely on may even help lengthen your life. Reach out to old friends and stay in contact. Strengthen family bonds and join social groups over shared interests to make new friends as life goes on. Build positive, strong relationships with your kids that can last a lifetime.
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Get enough sleep
Sleep is nature’s medicine. It helps us heal when sick and and regulates your physical and mental health. Try to go to bed at the same time each day and avoid drinking alcohol late in the day. Sleep in a dark space and get enough exercise so that you feel tired at the end of the day.
Grow your resilience
When you feel confident and positive about yourself, it’s easier to bounce back from a difficult experience. Congratulate yourself on the small stuff and don’t sweat your mistakes. Practice forgiveness. Appreciate the good times you have by yourself and with others and take time to reflect on your purpose in life.
Limit your stress
Stress can come at us from all directions in modern life and it’s difficult to avoid. Know your triggers and limit them. Pursue activities and employment you enjoy rather than choices that continually stress you out. Set boundaries in your personal relationships as well, in order to limit stressful moments. Stress impacts not only your emotional wellbeing but also your physical health.
By practicing overall wellness and respecting your need for a balanced life, you can take steps towards protecting your mental health this holiday season. Life is to be enjoyed and everyone lives it differently.
photo credits: Nabilah Khalil/Shutterstock.com
