The holidays are upon us, and so are the stresses. Each year, millions of Americans bear the cold to go shopping for their loved ones. And each year, with endless inundation of media and ads to do more, buy more, be more floods our nervous systems. This can wreak havoc on our mental health.

This season, it is imperative to take care of ourselves, not only physically but mentally. Instead of pushing yourself to the max, you can abide by the laws of the season and learn to slow down, relax, and rejuvenate. After all, it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year!

Here are the proven ways to reframe your mental health this month:

Mental Health and Wintertime/Holidays

The wintertime is notorious for “The Winter Blues.” This refers to the fact that winter brings about behavioral challenges. During the holiday season, your perspective can worsen due to the stress and expectations. More stress equals worsening mental health symptoms.

The Winter Blues are associated with the colder air that prevents most people from spending more time outdoors. Being trapped indoors in front of the heater, and with the sun setting earlier, many people struggle with The Winter Blues and find their mental state challenged as the daylight hours grow shorter.

How to Reframe Your Mental Health This Month

Now that you know seasonal depression is real, you can give yourself grace knowing there is help. You can start by helping yourself to reframe your perspectives that will positively impact your mental health this winter season.

Here is how to reframe your mental health this holiday season and into the new year:

Set Your Priorities

Now is the time to set your priorities. Many people are under the impression that spending money and giving gifts are the highest priority. This is simply not the case.

The holiday whirlwind of festivities, travel, hosting guests, decorating, and more can get you swept up in the holiday madness. Instead, get clear on your priorities. Ask yourself, what traditions are the most enjoyable and meaningful to you this holiday season? Focus your energy and time solely on those things that give you the most peace of mind and happiness.

Update Your Traditions

Now that your priorities are set, it’s time to examine whether or not your traditions still speak to you. There is nothing written in stone that suggests you can’t update and reframe your holiday traditions to meet your new needs and current times.

For example, if you want to increase the merriness in your holidays, opt for a Secret Santa with your friends and/or coworkers. Embracing new traditions can lead to increased joy that reflects your current stage of life versus the ones that feel outdated, overwhelming, and lacking that special something.

 

Forget Perfection

If you are focusing on perfection, it’s time to forget about it! Perfection is rare, and for most of us, frankly, it’s an illusion. Instead, focus on what makes the holidays and this time of year truly special.

There is no such thing as the perfect gift, day, or holiday. What makes it feel amazing is your perception of it. Stop directing your energy toward a flawless winter season and replace it with embracing a deep breath and staying in the moment—because, technically speaking, that is all you have.

You Can Say No

No is a full sentence. You no longer have to worry about explaining yourself when you do not feel like attending yet another holiday party or special event. In terms of nature, for many creatures, wintertime is all about hibernation.

If your instincts tell you to decline an invitation and instead hibernate in the comfort of your own home with a cup of eggnog or hot chocolate, you have the right to do it without feeling any regrets. Setting boundaries during the holidays can greatly protect your inner peace and mental health. You must keep putting yourself and your needs first, regardless of others’ expectations of you this season.

Schedule YOU-Time

Scheduling time just for yourself is imperative to your mental health and wellness. The holiday calendar will fill up fast, so be sure to put YOU and your needs in as many of those blank calendar spaces as you feel necessary to protect your mental well-being. Leave yourself space to rest and rejuvenate.

If you have a holiday celebration one day, give yourself the next day to relax and recuperate. There is no need to attend every event or overwhelm yourself. Give yourself permission to simply slow down and enjoy this time of year. Burnout is a real thing, so preventative measures are important and absolutely essential.

Reach Out

If you are having a hard time this season, reach out. Call a family member, friend, loved one, coworker, or anyone you feel you can trust. You can also reach out to a professional mental health specialist to assist you through this time.

Wintertime is known to worsen mental health in many people. The feelings of the following increase this time of year:

• Loneliness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• And more

Talking about your feelings can help you navigate your emotions. You can develop new and healthy coping strategies. Seeking support is the ultimate form of self-care and self-love. Allow people in your life to share the magic of the holiday and winter season.

Bottom Line

Whether you are out and about or simply planning to relax this winter season, it’s vital to keep your mental health at the forefront. The holidays are enchanting, but by setting your priorities, reframing traditions, forgetting about perfection, putting yourself first, and saying no when you need to, you can enhance your sense of joy and truly celebrate the magic and spirit of the holiday season.

Reconnect with loved ones or a mental health professional if you find yourself overwhelmed or feeling down and out. Friends and loved ones can help you put your mind at ease this winter. By focusing on yourself and your health, you give yourself the greatest gift: Self-Support. This truly is—and should be—the most wonderful time of year. So, use these tips to enjoy it with peace of mind, and ensure that your mental health is strong and healthy. Happy Holidays!