Mental Health And The Holidays
Jacket: Amazon (old, but similar here) // Top: Amazon the Drop // Jeans: Madewell
Purse: Tory Burch // Boots: Target // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Can you believe Thanksgiving is in just two days? I absolutely cannot. After a whirlwind of a weekend traveling, I just got back to my house and was thinking a lot on my drive home about mental health and the next six weeks. Holidays are a time where schedules seem jam packed, the to do lists are endless and there are so many social events that leave a person drained at the end of the day. Furthermore, many companies are closing out their year with inventory counts, end of year sales and crunching budget numbers. As much as the season brings me joy, I also find so much of it to include a lot of additional stressors. When stressors amount life can get really overwhelming and the season can loose it’s luster. Here are a few ways I’m focusing on my mental health this season.
Carve Out Time For You Everyday
Some of you will read this and think I’m totally insane and that “me time” is a lofty goal. You’ll skim this paragraph and also think, Must be easy for her… She must not be that busy. First, I’m here to tell you it’s not a competition on who has the busiest schedule. In fact, I pride myself on being a person who makes myself a priority when I wake up. Most days I choose to arise earlier than my daughter so I can have my first cup of coffee in the quiet while journaling. The days I do not start my day like this end up feeling rushed and frazzled. Sometimes I only have 15 minutes because I am tired and want to sleep. Other days, I have half an hour, and when I’m really lucky a full hour of this “me time.” It allows me to do personal development and prioritize where my time is going to go. It also lets me do a quick brain dump so I can get anything I need to deal with on paper or just vent. Maybe for you, it’s going for a 1 or 2 miles run first thing. I know other’s that spend time working on their spiritual life and in prayer in the morning. Whatever it is, make sure you carve time out for you every single day - preferably first.
Give Yourself a Bedtime
It’s easy to add one more thing to your day, but set yourself a bedtime and try to stick to it. Being well-rested is key to managing stressors. More mistakes are made when people are unrested. Fights seem to arise quicker and overall people have shorter fuses. Mental health professionals will tell you to ensure you get rest if you are dealing with anxiety. I am someone who perpetually struggles with getting enough sleep but I am pretty good about getting in bed before midnight. If you need 9 or 10 hours to be a decent human being, don’t feel guilty… take care of yourself, and just do it. If you need to start winding down a few hours before your bedtime, give yourself that luxury. The presents can be wrapped later, the dishes can be done the next morning and you don’t have to be the last one at the party.
Talk to Someone If You Are Struggling
Support groups and counseling professionals are imperative if you are struggling. If you are dealing with substance abuse go get help from a support group. You will thank me later on this topic. If you feel overwhelmed, are having panic attacks or just need relationship advice - talk to a mental health professional. They can give you tools that will help you work through it. I am a huge advocate of seeking help. We don’t have to do everything by ourselves! Nor should we have to! If you need resources many employers have free hotlines, programs, and most insurance companies offer options to help offset costs. There is also a multitude of free support groups that will help give you a place to share or listen with people who are in the same boat as you. Many find that a combination of going through counseling and attending a group helps them get through whatever they are going through.
When In Doubt Make a Gratitude List and Go For A Workout
I cannot tell you how many days I’ve been stressed out and I just pull out a piece of paper to list the things I do have going for me. I start with just looking at the simple things - what was the weather like today, what did I eat, what about my health, and so on. Then, I move to the bigger things - maybe someone opened a door for me that day or I got a nice message on social media. There’s always something to be thankful for and seeing it on paper can really turn my day around. When I get done I go for a walk. It might be icy cold, but I bundle up and get my body moving. It burns off so much stress, releases endorphins, and later contributes to that early bedtime I talked about. If you can only walk for 10 minutes, just do it. Tonight I started with a mile and ended up going five. Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes audiobooks and sometimes I leave my cell phone at home. By the time I get back I’m ready to tackle whatever I needed to do.
I want you to note that nowhere in this list did I say you have to be perfect, show up for everything, and keep piling on more activities. Instead, I shared about taking care of yourself so you can be the best version of yourself when you are around others. If you are feeling blue right now - check out this post I wrote last year about depression and the holidays. As always, take care of yourself and be a light unto this world. Love and hugs - Crystal
