The weather outside might be frightful, but the winter holiday season doesn’t have to be. We hope you’ll lean into what lights you up this season – and joyfully dispatch what doesn’t. It can be hard to ignore the endless social media stream of seemingly perfect decorations, gourmet meals, serene family gatherings, and coordinated holiday fashions. Just remember those are highlight reels – perfection doesn’t exist in the real world.
Your family’s mental health matters so much more than achieving the best light display or perfect gingerbread house. Here are some tips to help prioritize family mental health this holiday season:
Schedule time to meet up with family and friends
Connection is critically important for mental health. Make plans to binge holiday movies, drive around to check out lights in your PJs, decorate cookies, play games, or just plain old hang out and catch up.
Block time for decompression
There’s no right way to destress, so pick whatever works best for you, be it a walk, yoga, journaling, crafting, exercise, or anything else that helps you decompress.
Maintain therapy appointments
Winter holiday calendars fill up so quickly, but be sure to protect time for therapy.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Life is easier when we’re well hydrated.
Be open to new traditions
That best serve you and your family in this season of life – it’s absolutely fine to shake things up and let old traditions go!
Joyfully remove items from your list
Don’t like to bake? There’s no shame in re-plating store bought goodies! Stressed about sending holiday cards? Skip them! Dreading the obligatory posed family photos? Give them a pass and head outside for a snowball fight, or curl up with a good book – just pick what’s going to best serve you and yours.
Get on the be-nice-to-yourself list
Prioritize what makes you feel most like you, lights you up, and refills your cup. We’ve all heard that you can’t pour from an empty cup – because it’s true. Take care of yourself – you matter!
Remember that your feelings are valid, and it’s ok to not be ok
Nobody has a perfect holiday – and the season can be especially tough for many folks. You are not alone – don’t hesitate to connect with 24/7 support for yourself, or for someone you love!
