How to Manage Your Mental Health During the Holidays in a Pandemic
The holidays are a time for joy, giving, and being together with the ones you love, but for many, they can also bring about a great deal of stress. And with the addition of a global pandemic hanging over our heads, this year presents a whole new set of stressors and unexpected challenges to manage.
For those dealing with mental health conditions, this holiday season could be especially challenging. Due to COVID-19, many are facing the holidays with a new level of stress, due to job loss, limited social exposure, and fear of the unknown. Or some, like healthcare workers, are experiencing fatigue from being overworked without access to the time off they typically cash in this time of year.
Whatever your situation is, we are all facing this season with a different perspective than we have in the past. And with cases on the rise, we are forced to make even more difficult decisions including staying at home and missing out on time spent with friends and family.
While it is more important than ever this year to keep your physical health and the health of your loved ones top of mind, it is equally important to pay close attention to your mental health. Here are a few tips for keeping your mental health in check this holiday season:
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS
Whether or not you are living with a mental health condition, everyone is feeling the emotional toll this pandemic has taken on our lives. During a time when seasonal mood disorders are already at an all-time high, navigating the effects of this new normal only adds to the challenges that come around this time of year.
Remember that it is ok (and often necessary) to process your emotions without trying to fix them. Spending time with your thoughts through journaling or conversations with a close friend may help you identify areas where you are feeling overwhelmed. Once you have identified and acknowledged what you are feeling, you can begin taking the necessary steps toward healthier thought patterns.
FIND CREATIVE WAYS OF CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE
This year’s Thanksgiving table might look a little more sparse than you’re used to, but there are still creative ways you can feel connected with the people you love.
You could write personal letters letting your friends and family members know that you miss them, or schedule a family zoom call where everyone shares something they are thankful for this year. While you might not be able to be with them in person this year, you can still find ways to feel close.
MAKE NEW TRADITIONS
The holidays for many people are for special tradition, and the thought of missing out on those memories is hard to cope with.
Think of ways to reinvent old traditions or create new ones that allow you and your family to stay safe over the holidays. If you love to play games together, create a virtual game night. Or if you have a tradition of serving at a local shelter, you could donate the money you typically spend on gifts and travel to helping vulnerable families.
MAKE A LIST OF THE POSITIVES
It’s no secret that this year has had a lot of challenges that have negatively impacted our lives, adding additional stress to what can already be a stressful time of year. Try refocusing your attention on the positives by making a list of the things you are thankful for this season, like the health of your family, more time to rest and recharge, or avoiding stressful travel days.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness can help relieve stress and alleviate anxiety, especially during these unprecedented times. Mindfulness can look like spending a few minutes each morning in gratitude or prayer, practicing yoga, or simply going through your day mindfully, focusing on one task at a time.
FOCUS ON YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH
Physical health has a direct correlation with your mental health and should be given equal attention when caring for your overall well being. Practicing good sleep hygiene, exercising regularly, and eating a well-balanced diet are all ways you can help boost your immune system and release endorphins that fight stress.
DON’T NEGLECT SELF-CARE
The holidays are often a time of year when self-care goes out the window. Busy schedules, family commitments, and shopping lists become all-consuming, leaving little room to focus on yourself and your mental wellness.
However, with COVID in our midst, many people are staying at home and shopping online, creating more time to focus on things that give us life and energy. Read a good book, watch your favorite show, spend time outdoors, whatever fills you up, focus your time on those things this holiday season.
The important thing to remember this holiday season is that it's ok that things are different, and it’s ok to mourn the way things were. As we face a different reality this holiday season, remember to be kind to yourself, and keep in mind that just like the winter turns into spring, this is just a season, and it will pass.
If you are struggling to manage the stress of this holiday season on your own, consider reaching out to your health care provider or a professional counselor for guidance.
To learn more about Brave Grand Rapids, or to speak with one of our licensed therapists, click the link below.
