{"id":104414,"date":"2021-12-23T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=104414"},"modified":"2022-03-14T02:28:41","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T09:28:41","slug":"your-mental-health-guide-to-surviving-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/emotional-and-mental-health\/your-mental-health-guide-to-surviving-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Mental Health Guide To Surviving The Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
With bustling social calendars, end of the year projects nearing their deadlines, and upcoming travel plans, this time of year is more hectic than ever. Stress levels are high, diets are poor, and it can seem like you are barely keeping up with life. All of this can increase anxiety, depression, and slowly chip away at your overall mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holiday depression and anxiety start before Thanksgiving, and the body doesn\u2019t get a break until the New Year. Be it the increased financial burden for travel and shopping, or attending parties and hosting meals, the holidays are physically and mentally draining<\/a>. Expectations are high for planning events and giving gifts, but there is also the loneliness aspect for those without a good support system or loved ones. If you are experiencing any mental health challenges during the holidays, don\u2019t be afraid to reach out to people, express your feelings, or employ the following tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is easy to over-extend yourself during the holidays. Making multiple commitments to different parties, due to the high influx of invitations, can be mentally taxing. This is why you need to stick to your routine, even if that means missing out on a few parties. The more you stick to your regular schedule, the more in control you\u2019ll feel. If sticking to your routine keeps you from becoming anxious<\/a>, miss that dinner you were invited to in order to maintain your schedule. Self-care is more important than anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people are lucky and experience many sunny days during the winter, while others are plagued by rainy days, snowstorms, and lack of sunshine. According to numerous studies, depressive disorders increase exponentially during the winter months. This is attributed to the lack of sunshine. Whenever it is possible, take a walk outside and soak up so much needed vitamin D<\/a>. The combination of being in the sun and nature has been proven to reduce stress<\/a>, improve concentration<\/a>, lower levels of inflammation, and improve overall energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The materialistic nature of the holidays can drain your bank account, which in turn stresses you out. Rather than financially burdening yourself this year, set holiday budget limits to help you allocate funds for travel, food, gifts, and more. Write out exactly what you need to purchase<\/a> to help yourself figure out expenses. If this is the year that you spend less on gifts, so be it. You can always make your own gifts to cut down the expense of gift giving, and you can spend a little more on a bigger meal with the family, focusing on love, thankfulness, and more during the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are depressed or anxious, it can be easy to convince yourself to take a pill or knock back a few drinks<\/a> to feel better or relieve tension. According to mental health experts, it is better to relieve stress and anxiety via healthier outlets like exercise, meditation, talking to a therapist, or spending time with loved ones. Don\u2019t make yourself reliant on drugs, alcohol, or food to make it through the holidays. Give yourself time to decompress and collect yourself for better mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStick To A Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Soak Up The Sun\u2026When It Comes Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Rely On Drugs, Alcohol, Or Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get Sufficient Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n