The holiday season is fast approaching, which has many people feeling increased levels of stress, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 38% of people said their stress increased during the holiday season, and a study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that almost 64% of people with mental illness said the holidays made their condition worse.
While navigating family dynamics, financial issues, travel, and social gatherings can make it challenging to cope with these ups and downs, there are practical ways you can manage these feelings.
Ashley Tejral, APRN at the Phelps Memorial Specialty Clinic, shares advice on how to approach and navigate these potential holiday stressors:
- Manage expectations. Tis’ the season to let go of perfection. Be gentle with yourself and balance your expectations with what is realistic.
- Make a plan that fills your cup. Allow space this season for more meaningful experiences. Connect with the people who mean the most to you.
- Practice self-care. Creating a simple daily routine that fulfills your basic needs can help reduce feelings of overwhelm. This might include taking time to reflect things you are grateful for, resting, choosing what you eat mindfully, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Move your body. Participating in regular movement before, during, and after the holidays is a healthy way to keep stress at bay.
- Set boundaries. Trying to do it all during the holidays be difficult. Identify what’s most important to you this season, both emotionally and financially, and say no to the rest. Declining invitations or setting boundaries with family does not make you “the bad guy”. Avoid what you know to be toxic.
- Donate your time. If you are feeling lonely, volunteering can be a great way to connect with people who may share similar interests.
“Remember to take time to check in with yourself and reflect on how you are feeling every day. Accept what you discover about how you are feeling without judgment and be gentle with yourself. Lean on your support system when needed. There’s no shame in asking for help,” said Ashley Tejral, APRN.
To schedule an appointment with board certified psychiatrist Dr. Navdeep Sood or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Ashley Tejral, APRN at the Phelps Memorial Specialty Clinic, call 308.995.3305.
