This post was written by MyQueisha Bratton, MS, community partner initiative coordinator, Parkview Health.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” right? A time filled with joy, laughter, celebration and connecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, not everyone experiences the holidays in this way. For some, the holidays catalyze feelings of anxiety, stress and grief, caused by financial pressures, family conflict and loved ones who cannot be there.
If you are someone who struggles or finds this season to be challenging, the FitKids360 team has some tips to help you navigate the holiday season and prioritize your mental health and well-being.
Don’t get caught in the comparison trap
Songs, movies and commercials can create unrealistic expectations about how the holidays should look. The sooner we let go of those visions, the sooner we can walk in the freedom of creating our own traditions and setting realistic expectations for ourselves and others.
If finances are an issue, prioritize presence over presents. Make spending quality time the primary focus, create homemade gifts (see who can be the most creative), participate in acts of kindness, volunteer and create new experiences with your loved ones.
Take time to reflect on what you have instead of what you lack. When we focus on what we don’t have, we lose sight of the blessings we have right in front of us.
Navigating grief during the holidays
The holidays can magnify the feelings of losing a loved one, making their absence feel more intense. No matter how much you try, there’s no preparation or easy solution for the magnitude and complexity of grief. Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions come and express them in a healthy way. Also, don’t be afraid to have fun. Think of ways that you can honor and celebrate your loved one’s life. Share good memories, look at pictures or videos, write letters, light a candle and celebrate them in a way that is meaningful to you.
Mental health and self-care tips for the holiday season
Physical health tips
- Be kind to your body by nourishing it with proper food and nutrients
- Practice healthy sleep hygiene
- Have one hour of physical activity daily
- Give and receive hugs, which trigger the release of “feel good” endorphins
Emotional health tips
- Create healthy boundaries and realistic expectations
- Foster safe and healthy relationships
- Spend time with people you love doing things like baking cookies or decorating
- Laugh
- Listen to music
- Light a candle or use an oil diffuser
Mental health tips
- Take a break from social media
- Practice gratitude
- Practice mindfulness
- Read a book
- Journal
- Practice positive self-talk
- Watch your favorite show or movie
- Play board games
- Create homemade gifts
Spiritual health tips
- Pray
- Read the bible
- Practice acts of kindness
- Attend church
- Listen to worship music
Parkview Center for Healthy Living provides holistic health opportunities to help you enrich your mind, focus on your body, refresh your spirit and strengthen your community. We update our programs on a monthly basis, so make sure to check out our event calendar regularly. If you want to attend a class, schedule an appointment or ask a question, call 260-266-6500 or toll-free 844-835-0003.
