The holiday season is upon us and there’s so much to do! From present shopping and decorating to cooking and socializing – it can be a lot. There are financial, cultural, and social pressures, so rather than being uplifting, some might be more depressed or feel pressured by holiday expectations. 

Try approaching the season differently. As you’re planning for the holidays and drowning in department store Christmas songs, remember to make time for YOU with these simple self-care tips. 

1. Exercise

A long jog isn’t quite as enticing in this colder weather, but it’s still just as important to move your body in the winter months. Even more important, in fact, thanks to the Halloween candy and never-ending Turkey and stuffing!

2. Sleep

Family, work, social engagements, doctor’s appointments, chores, shopping… don’t eke out every minute of every day. Spend time decompressing and, most importantly, getting good sleep. Good sleep will help your mental health and keep you level-headed as you face holiday challenges! 

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

As much as we love our coffee and fun holiday cocktails, both can mess with our moods, sleep, and mental health. Try cutting back or cutting both out altogether to fully enjoy what the season has to offer. 

4. “No” is Ok!

As much as we may want to spend time with everyone, don’t commit to a juggling act when it will only stress you out. Pick your priorities and only do the activities that will bring you joy, not zap your energy.

5. Find Gratitude 

Meditation, giving thanks, the “reason for the season” – whatever it may be, remember that the holiday season is a time for gratitude, family, warmth, and love. Take moments here and there to breath and reflect on this. It’s not about the price of a gift, a conflict with a sibling, or whether you’ll get the promotion – it’s about being here and now and enjoying it. 

6. Know Yourself 

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, know yourself. Family can get under our skin, so bring a friend to the family dinner as a buffer. Does drinking make you eat more, which in turn makes you depressed? Pick up a soda and don’t let it go. Knowing your weaknesses and triggers in advance allows you to avoid them and then handle them well, if and when they do happen. 

Knowing yourself and planning ahead, combined with the above tips like sleep and exercise, mean that you are protecting your mental health through the sensory onslaught of the holidays. When a challenge rears its head, you’ll be able to deal with it before returning to your enjoyment of the holidays and all they have to offer. 

Happy Holidays from PDG!