by Dustin Godwin, LMSW Getting a grip on your emotions during the holiday season can be challenging, maybe even more so than resisting your third piece of pumpkin pie. While some people may seem to be filled with holiday cheer, others might feel overwhelmed, facing stress and anxiety. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people dealing with mental health challenges reported that their holiday cheer takes a turn for the worse. So, how can you maintain your composure? When the crunching of leaves underneath your feet and the warmth of a cup of apple cider in your hands aren't enough to brighten your mood, here are some suggestions that can be useful to manage your emotions around the holidays.
Your Feelings Are Always Valid: The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and cheer; however, if you're not feeling the holiday spirit, that’s okay. Instead of burying your feelings like leftover food from Thanksgiving, why not acknowledge them? It’s perfectly acceptable to experience a full range of emotions during the holidays, including those that aren’t particularly cheerful. Think of these emotions as holiday guests: allow them to visit, but don’t let them overstay their welcome! Be Kind to Yourself: Are you striving to be the perfect host during the holidays? If things don’t go as planned - perhaps the turkey gets burnt, the mashed potatoes turn lumpy, or there's an unexpected visit from Uncle Bob (I thought he was going to be in Hawaii this year!) - just go with the flow! Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer to your best friend. You would reassure your best friend by saying, "It's okay, you've got this!" So why not offer yourself the same encouragement? Practicing kindness towards yourself can help lower feelings of anxiety and depression, improve your ability to handle the stressors of daily life, and enhance your self-esteem! Prioritize Your Time: As the festivities ramp up, utilize your planner and create a daily schedule. Visualizing your activities can save you from those last-minute freakouts that make you want to take cover under a pile of blankets. Also, it’s acceptable to say “no” to some plans! Prioritize yourself and focus on what matters to you. This will help you dodge those extra social happenings that clash with some much-needed ‘me’ time. Furthermore, reducing your social media scrolling can declutter your mind and spare you from constant comparisons, such as feeling less happy and successful than Peggy from the book club (we all know Peggy tends to exaggerate). Your mental well-being will thank you! Physical Health Impacts Mental Health: According to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), physical health problems significantly increase our risk of developing mental health problems. So keep nurturing your body! Drink plenty of water, monitor that ‘holiday cheer’, get moving and stay active, stick to your normal sleep schedule, and balance out all those festive treats with healthier options. Did your favorite team just give up a 14-point lead against their archrival? Remember to breathe - deep breathing can help relieve stress and anxiety. Reach Out for Help: For some, the holidays are hard. They can remind us of things we no longer do or those who are no longer here. Unfortunately, no amount of twinkling lights and sugar cookies can fix the hurt that so many have during this time of year. So if you're feeling a bit down, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend or loved one to share the holiday feels! If the weight of the world feels like a heavy blanket, chatting with a mental health professional can truly be a lifesaver. We here at Sandhill Counseling & Consultation are here to help! Just remember, if things get a little too intense, don’t be afraid to seek emergency help—because no one should be left out in the cold! Self-care should be proactive, not reactive, all year round. It's crucial to prioritize this during the holiday season, as the added stress from family gatherings, financial pressures, busy schedules, and social obligations can be overwhelming. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Be kind to yourself, nurture your body, and don’t hesitate to seek support. Embrace these practices to fill your holiday season with joy and laughter while keeping stress at bay. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season!
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JENNIFER EULBERG, MA, LPCWelcome Jennifer, our new blogger!
Jennifer is a counselor at Sandhill who specializes in depression, self-esteem, and grief & loss. Get to know Jennifer as she shares her perspectives on life, contemplates value themes, and offers gentle encouragement. THANK YOU to Stefanie Pisarkiewicz, LPC for her blog contributions from November 2014 - February 2019! Archives
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