Are you feeling the whirlwind of holiday chaos, juggling endless tasks and social obligations during the festive period between Christmas and New Year? It’s easy to feel drained rather than rejuvenated amidst the hustle and bustle of this season. Wondering how to safeguard your physical and mental well-being? Read on to uncover ways to maintain your health during this joyous yet demanding time.
Common Personal Struggles During the Holiday Season and How to Combat Them
These last two months of the year always seem to be packed like sardines with things to get done, compared to any other season. Some businesses even make more income during these last two months of the year than they do during the rest of the year’s months, combined. That right there definitely tells you how busy it gets, and we know first hand how stress always comes along with being busy. We’re going to walk you through some of the most common challenges you may be facing this holiday with specific tools that are guaranteed to support you in achieving a healthy and stress-free end of year.
The Pressure of Being Involved in Family Gatherings
After Thanksgiving, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of family gatherings that are still yet to come. The pressure of attending is always there, with parents, and even grandparents having expectations that they are going to be able to see you and spend time with you during the holidays. If you are feeling burnt out, or there is any dysfunction within your family system, this expectation can set you up to feel obligated to attend every family gathering.
The reality is that, yes your family, especially parents and grandparents will greatly appreciate your presence at these gatherings but it is important to remember your mental well-being, self-care and boundaries are most important. Your family care and love you, so your wellbeing will be important to your family too. With proper communication this can be expressed and shared with a trusted family member so they can reiterate for you if your presence is missed at the next gathering.
As our parents and grandparents grow older, it becomes more important to them that they get that quality time to spend with their children and grandchildren. As their child, you can respect that while also doing what is best for yourself. Taking care of yourself is just as important as meeting the needs of others, even your family members. If you are not prepared or in the proper mental state to be around family, then the pressure of attending should not burden you.
Maybe the pressure isn’t around the attending of family gatherings but your worry is of past memories resurfacing that you may have shoved aside and no longer wish to think about. While it’s natural for past experiences to come to mind during these reunions, it’s helpful to approach them with a sense of understanding and as an opportunity to learn from your past. With family around you, those that you can trust the most, it is an opportunity to process past experiences with others who understand and may have been in your shoes before. Regardless, challenging emotions will arise and it is important to manage them effectively so the conversation can remain copasetic and joyful. To manage these emotions effectively, focus on creating a supportive environment for yourself. Preparing for family gatherings with intention setting and boundary setting will prepare you to answer any prying questions that may arise.
It’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being, ensuring that you can enjoy the holiday season in a way that feels right for you.
How the Darker Winter Days Impact You
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s important to be aware of how the shorter, darker days of winter can affect our mental health. This change in daylight can subtly alter our mood and energy levels, sometimes without us even noticing. The reduced sunlight can lead to feelings of sadness or a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is common during these months.
During the holidays, while there is much joy and celebration, these feelings can be heightened,making the shorter days seem more intense. Recognizing these shifts in our mood is the first step towards managing them effectively.
To help maintain a positive mental state during this period, consider engaging in activities that bring brightness and warmth into your life. Here are a few simple actions that can make a big difference:
- Keeping your living space well-lit. You can use candles or get some string lights to hang around your personal space!
- Spending time outdoors during daylight hours will help boost your mood and release those endorphins, making you almost forget its winter.
- Stay physically active! Roll out a yoga mat or just do some simple seated stretches on your coach or in a chair!
- Enjoying your favorite indoor hobby. Maybe it’s sewing, drawing, or trying something you haven’t done before.
- Bake some cookies, or your favorite dessert. The time spent mixing the batter and the effort put into the tasty treat will help you forget about the darkness outside.
It is important to prioritize your mental, physical and emotional well-being to be able to find balance during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Spending the Holidays Alone
Spending the holidays alone can be a unique challenge, particularly when old memories from the past resurface. Being alone during this time doesn’t have to feel isolating. Embrace this period as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Create a nurturing environment for yourself; indulge in activities that you genuinely enjoy. Some of the following examples will offer that nurturing space where you can feel fulfilled:
- Cook a special meal.
- Watch your favorite movies.
- Start reading a new book.
- Take a hot bath.
Connecting with others is still possible, even from a distance. Consider reaching out to friends or family through a phone call or video chat. Share your experiences and listen to theirs. This can create a sense of belonging and community, even when physically apart.
Above all, remind yourself that spending the holidays alone is an opportunity to recharge and focus on your mental and physical health. It’s a time to practice self-care and appreciate your own company, ensuring you emerge from the holiday season, starting the new year feeling refreshed and positive.
Forgotten or Lack of Self Care Routines
During these last two months of the year, during the rush of last-minute shopping and preparations for family gatherings, it’s easy to forget about your self-care routine. It’s important, however, to take care of yourself first, setting yourself up to be able to enjoy the festive activities to their fullest. In the midst of it all, make sure to carve out time that is dedicated solely to your well-being.
Whether it’s a quiet moment while taking a bath, a brisk walk in the fresh air, or whipping up some cookies, these small acts of self-care can significantly impact your mental and physical health. They provide a much-needed pause, a chance to recharge and reflect. Even simple things like ensuring enough sleep and eating nutritious meals can make a big difference.
Eat Strategically This Holiday to Maintain an Active Lifestyle
During the holiday celebrations, it will benefit you to focus on eating strategies that support your physical well-being. Balancing indulgence with mindful nutrition choices helps you enjoy the season while keeping your health on track.
Seek Proper Nourishment in Whole, Balanced Meals
During the holiday season, focusing on whole, balanced meals greatly supports your body to be able to process your food efficiently to maintain your active lifestyle. Strive for a nutritious balance by incorporating fruits, vegetables, health fats, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. This way of eating not only promotes overall health but also ensures you feel vibrant and energetic during the festive celebrations. Opting for nourishing choices allows you to relish the seasonal delights while maintaining your health.
Test Your Self-Control With This Year’s Snack Table
Navigating the snack table during the holidays is a true test of self-control. During the joy of traditional cooking and festive treats, finding a balance is essential. Challenge yourself to enjoy these delicacies mindfully. Savor each flavor and take pleasure in small portions. This approach allows you to indulge in the seasonal favorites while still honoring your commitment to health and well-being. Enjoy the richness of the holiday offerings, but also listen to your body’s cues, ensuring you enjoy the festive season healthily and happily.
Tips for Diabetics During the Holiday Season
For diabetics, the holiday season requires a mindful approach to enjoying festive foods. Prioritize balancing your meals with low-glycemic options and keep track of carbohydrate intake to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It’s helpful to plan ahead, perhaps bringing a diabetic-friendly dish to share. Stay hydrated and don’t skip regular meals, as this can lead to overindulgence. Most importantly, remember to monitor your blood sugar regularly to enjoy the holiday season safely and healthily. Enjoy the celebrations while staying attentive to your health needs.
New Year Celebrations: Balancing The Festivities with Healthy Habits
Transitioning from Christmas to New Year’s, it’s beneficial to find a balance between enjoying the festivities and maintaining healthy habits. Building on the strategy of mindful eating during the holidays, continue to prioritize your mental and physical well-being with these healthy habits as you celebrate the New Year.
Before Drinking (or Indulging) This Holiday Season
Celebrating the New Year often involves indulging in food and drink, but it’s important to consider how these choices impact your ability to process emotions and handle challenges. Before deciding to drink, it is good to remember what impact alcohol has on us. If a hangover isn’t enough of a reminder, that hangxiety is a real thing and alcohol is a known depressant. It is really difficult for your body to metabolize and can damage essential organs like your liver. While for many of you, telling you to avoid alcohol during the holidays doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle, at the minimum we will recommend that you practice moderation. It is important for not only your body but also your mind. Set limits for yourself in advance to maintain a balance. It’s also helpful to alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and reduce the impact on your body.
Be mindful of how alcohol can influence your mood and energy levels, especially if you’re already managing the emotional complexities of the holiday season. Opting for non-alcoholic alternatives or focusing more on the company and conversation can be equally fulfilling.
Lastly, reframe your thoughts about not drinking. By limiting your alcohol intake, you aren’t being “boring” or whatever other label you might be fearing others will place on you. Indulging responsibly is part of taking care of yourself. By being thoughtful about your choices, you can enjoy the festivities while still prioritizing your health and well-being.
Don’t Slack on Proper Sleep
In the mix of New Year’s and Christmas celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the importance of getting enough sleep. While enjoying the festivities, focus on maintaining a proper sleep schedule to support your mental and physical health. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being, especially during this busy season.
After a night of celebration, make it a priority to catch up on rest. Plan for a quieter day following big events to allow your body and mind to recover. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help. This might include winding down with a calming activity, like reading or listening to soothing music, before sleep.
Consistently getting quality sleep during the holiday season is a key part of maintaining your health. It ensures you’re fully able to enjoy the festivities and start the New Year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Taking care of your sleep is as important as enjoying the celebrations.
Planning and Preparation For The Upcoming Year
As the New Year approaches, it’s a good time to start thinking about your goals and plans. This process isn’t just about setting resolutions; it’s about creating a practical roadmap for the year ahead. Consider what you want to achieve and the steps needed to get there. This might involve organizing your schedule, setting specific, achievable goals, or even decluttering your space for a fresh start.
Planning for the upcoming year is also a chance to reflect on your health and well-being. Think about incorporating healthier habits into your daily routine, like balanced eating, regular exercise, and, as mentioned, ensuring you get enough sleep. This thoughtful preparation will help you enter the New Year with a clear mind and a focused approach, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities.
As we head into Christmas and the New Year, maintaining your mental and physical health is going to set you up to enjoy this festive season to the fullest. Amid the celebrations and the excitement, take time to check in with yourself, prioritize rest, and revel in the moments of calm. Let’s welcome the New Year with a refreshed spirit and a healthy mindset, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead with positivity and strength. Wishing you a season filled with happiness and wellbeing.
Ready to make your mental and physical well-being a priority this holiday season?
Book a session now with one of our Therapists to step into the New Year feeling your best!
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