MY VIEW

Mind your mental health in the holiday season

BY DANIELLE D. SHOLCOSKY
Posted 12/6/22

Despite how fun and festive the season is, it can also be quite stressful, whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or hosting a party or gathering with family members. 

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MY VIEW

Mind your mental health in the holiday season

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Despite how fun and festive the season is, it can also be quite stressful, whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or hosting a party or gathering with family members. 

For others, the holidays can be a genuinely unhappy time, due to loneliness or the recent loss of a loved one. 

With all of this in mind, here are some mental health tips that can get you through the holiday season—and serve as good New Year’s resolutions heading into 2023. 

Here are a few worth considering. 

Refrain from excessive alcohol and/or drug use. People are inclined to drink more during the holidays, but overuse of alcohol, drugs and prescription medications can result in increased levels of depression, anxiety and even psychosis.

Make sure to stay on top of your physical health as a way to support your overall mental health. Exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep every night, and do your best to maintain a healthy diet. I know that last one can be particularly hard to do during the holidays, given the abundant delectable sweets to choose from at the holiday table. 

Spend as much time as possible socializing with family and friends, especially those who give you the most joy. And don’t be afraid to share your feelings, emotions and grief with them—or even with a therapist, if you think it is warranted. 

Make sure to invest in self-care. That means refraining from self-criticism, finding time for hobbies and other things that make you happy, and taking an hour each day to devote time for yourself and yourself only. While you’re at it, practice some mindfulness techniques that can really benefit you mentally, and consider keeping a gratitude/self-appreciation journal. 

Volunteer for a local organization or nonprofit—doing good for others can really make you feel great during the holidays, and it certainly fits in with the giving nature of the season. 

Limit your social media and computer time. This is something we should all do, no matter the time of year. 

Set a holiday budget that allows for spending on gifts, but keep it manageable and responsible during these inflationary times. 

Use your New Year’s resolution to set small goals. 

Allow mistakes, changes and successes to serve as learning experiences for personal growth. Over time, those things can help you become the best version of yourself.

Meanwhile, I haven’t forgotten about the kids. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your children and teens during the holidays: 

Maintain daily sleep habits. 

Check in with them every day to detect any possible mood or behavior changes.

Monitor their internet and social media usage for possible bullying, stressors, safety issues and so on. 

Make sure they’re getting daily physical activity, and encourage them to practice breathing and relaxation techniques. 

Debrief them about their day. This allows them to practice and build their critical thinking and active listening skills. And it shows them you care about what’s going on in their lives. 

This one is pretty obvious, but make sure to spend as much quality time with them as possible, whether you’re watching a holiday movie, baking cookies or going to a concert or game. ‘Tis the season for family togetherness, after all. 

Let’s all do our part to ensure we have an enjoyable holiday season. That means looking out for ourselves and those around us. That’s truly the best gift we can give. Happy holidays! 

Danielle D. Sholcosky is the director of behavioral health integration and therapist services at the Wright Center for Community Health.

mental health, holiday season, check-in, physical health, coping

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