Mental health strategies for Christmas
As a therapist, I have learned that the Christmas season causes a lot of stress and uncomfortable feelings for many people. This season Highlights substantial amounts of loneliness, frustration, illness, stress, unhappiness etc during the “Most Wonderful Time of Year”. How did we get to this point? Shouldn’t we all be relaxed, free and happy? Of-course we should be, but Unfortunately this is not the case. How can you get through this time? Do you fall into the typical Christmas slump that people struggle with? What helps you to get through the Christmas season without large bouts of negative feelings? This list will provide you with ideas and skills to survive the Christmas Holiday season.
1. Decide what Christmas means to you?
Will you buy gifts? If so, for who? How much will you spend? Where will you go?
2) Save money for a longer period of time!
Each year I begin to save $30 a month starting in January. This way I will not be pressured to find loads of extra money—- you’ll be surprised how much you accumulate.
3) Shop early!
You do not have to be a crazy as me, but I always try to pick up a thing or two when I see sales throughout the year!
4.) Have a specified mental health routine that begins October first.
Example: 30 seconds of relaxation time every morning.
5.) Begin working on boundary setting.
You do not have to give what you do not have. Also, do not focus on making your “family” happy or seek their approval. You can make plans to go to the movies etc. Christmas should be an enjoyable day!
6.) Plan to spend the day around people you enjoy!
This can be your friends, colleagues etc You do not have to spend the ENTIRE day around your family unless you want too.
7.) Invite people to “A New tradition” activity that you start this year. You will host your own Holiday Celebration.
You can start of a new tradition of having for breakfast or desert that will include people that you know to reduce loneliness or sad feelings.
8.) Do activities that you enjoy with children!
Whether you have your own, or you spend time with kids in a domestic violence shelter— do something that will make you feel good! I typically build gingerbread houses with my child, my clients, and children in volunteer settings every year. This provides me some holly and jolly throughout the year!
9.) If you become overwhelmed quickly (anxious or depressed) make sure that you participate in activities that you enjoy. Also, EXERCISE so that the physical tension will leave your body.
i.e Christmas 5k Run, Yoga class, Chilly Hike, book club, comedy s etc.
10.) Use your coping skills!
This time of year requires you to really put your selfcare and techniques into play. Your emotions will be extremely charged during the holidays. Get a handle on them early!
11.) Have a Schedule for the Holiday week (including Christmas Day) that you will stick too!
Schedule Example:
December 23: Coffee with friends.
December 24: Movie Night
December 25: Christmas Dinner with Family, Friend Dessert party at my House
December 26: Relaxation Day! Yoga Class and Pedicure
December 27: Session with my therapist
12.) Create your own magic of Christmas tradition.
Christmas should be a joyous occasion for everyone. You do not need to fall into traditional Christmas card activities, to enjoy the season! Have a discussion with the people around you and create one! An example would be Taco Night on Christmas Eve that includes funny movies and enjoying a fire on the patio (My friends and I started this tradition years ago to keep us all happy during this season!)