How to protect our mental health and well-being during the Holidays
While the Holiday season is often considered a time of joy, togetherness and fun for many, it is also a time when a lot of people become more stressed, anxious and even depressed. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 52% of the population acknowledge feeling anxious, sad and lonely during the festive season.
How can we manage our well-being over the Holidays
We asked Bonjour-santé's mental health nurses to share some tips on how to protect our mental health and well-being during the Holiday season.
How to reduce stress during the Holiday season
- Don't aim for perfection. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. The most important thing during the Holidays is to be surrounded by loved ones, not to have the best decorations, the best meal or to welcome your guests in settings worthy of Pinterest or social networks (No Keeping up with the Joneses!).
- Focus on what you can control. It's totally normal to encounter unforeseen events. Try to focus on the essentials and what you can change or foresee.
- Have realistic expectations. It's impossible to meet everyone's expectations. Focus on expectations and traditions that suit you, are important to you and yours and are in keeping with your needs and values. Try to ignore the judgements of others and try to avoid putting too much work or unnecessary pressure on yourself simply to please others.
- Plan well in advance. Create realistic to-do lists with reasonable deadlines. Organise your schedule around important events that have already been scheduled.
- Delegate, delegate, delegate. It's everyone's Holiday season, after all! If you tend to do a lot (even too much!) or put unnecessary pressure on yourself, ask your guests to pitch in: everyone brings a dish, do a gift exchange instead of buying a gift for each person, and so on. Get the kids involved and ask your partner to help out.
Maintain your healthy habits for a better mental health
- Don't overindulge. It's easy to overindulge during the Holidays, whether it's overeating, overindulging in alcohol, not getting enough sleep, spending too much... Plan a budget for groceries, gifts, etc. in advance. Set limits for yourself when it comes to alcohol consumption, choose healthier foods and set aside time to simply relax.
- Maintain good habits and a regular routine. Exercise and sleep are always crucial for recharging your batteries. Don't neglect them; you'll need them before you go back to work. The Holidays can be exhausting, so take steps to avoid getting sick by resting and boosting your immune system.
- Don't push yourself beyond your limits. You have the right to leave a party or gathering if you're tired, or even ask people to leave your house if it's late and you need to rest.
- Change or introduce new traditions/habits if necessary. If certain Holiday traditions are difficult for you and your family, you can say no, refuse certain invitations or rethink the way you do certain things. Adjust your traditions and habits to suit your needs and respect your limits. Listen to yourself. A new lifestyle habit can take up to 1 month to become part of your routine, so be indulgent and kind with yourself.
You matter so much!
- Take time for yourself. Keep doing the things that make you feel good. Spend quality time with your children, your partner, a friend, your pet, your neighbour. Take 5-10-15 minutes in the morning to enjoy the sun, drink your hot coffee, write, sing, dance, draw, etc. Learn to relax, try meditation and relaxation techniques. Be mindful of your mood. If you're feeling more tired, depressed or stressed than usual, these are warning signs that you need to refocus on what's important, take some time for yourself or even seek professional help if you need it.
- Be kind. Towards yourself, your family and those around you. Be kind and respectful to others; you never know what someone else is going through. Act as you would like to be treated. Help others and do good around you.
- Avoid loneliness. Do some volunteering, join groups, try different things that make you feel good and allow you to meet new people. Create a support network that includes a neighbour, friend or family member you can count on and call when you need them.
Check out the different articles in our Mag-santé online magazine for information and advice on various health topics!
Remember that with the Bonjour-santé membership, members have unlimited access to our team of mental health nurses by e-consult to discuss, and receive information and advice. Login to your account to take advantage of this service and many other health services, or become a member.
