December 11th, 2024
This resource article is intended to be for informational purposes only. Any clinical information or advice contained in this article is not intended as a thorough, in-depth delivery of clinical service and does not replace what a clinician would provide during a session in a regular format, and should not be used to form a diagnosis or determine medication usages or frequencies that a physician or other mental health professional would provide. If you or someone you know are facing a crisis situation, please call the BC Crisis Centre at +1.800.784.2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) or visit their website, call 911 or your local emergency line, or visit the nearest emergency room.
How to keep your mental wellness intact during the festivities.
It’s that time of year again when the streets sparkle, the holiday music is a constant presence in every shopping mall, and the pressure to have a “perfect” holiday season weighs down like a mistletoe hanging at a weirdly awkward height. If you’re starting to feel like your mental wellness is teetering on the edge of a gingerbread-house disaster, fear not: this guide is here to help you navigate the whirlwind of holiday cheer, social obligations, and the occasional rogue fruitcake. Let’s dive into how you can stay sane, embrace the season, and make sure your mental wellness doesn’t get lost in the holiday shuffle.
What is it about the holidays that ain’t so merry?
It’s easy to think of the holidays as a time of endless joy, but the reality is often more complicated. For some, the season brings anxiety over family dynamics, financial strain, or a mountain of tasks that seem to double the moment December 1st hits. Not to mention, the pressure to look like you’ve got it all together while swiping through perfect Instagram photos of someone else’s “perfect” holiday gathering can be the cherry on top of the holiday stress sundae. It’s no wonder that by New Year’s Eve we’re all a little worn out, both physically and mentally.
Surviving the holidays doesn’t mean you have to muscle through it with a forced smile and going out when you would rather just cozy in at home. It means recognizing that your mental wellness is just as important as picking out the right wrapping paper or finding the last-minute gift for your uncle who insists he doesn’t need anything and “doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of gift-giving” yet still gives you a gift (what is that, anyway?). If you take the time to care for yourself now, you’ll be in a much better spot to greet the New Year with a sense of calm, contentment, and a few extra holiday cookies.
It’s okay to admit that the holidays can be overwhelming. So let’s talk about how to make this season a little easier to navigate. You’ll find that while we can’t promise the perfect holiday, we can help you navigate through it with a little more grace, and maybe even some joy along the way.
Start with a plan (and add a sprinkle of humour).
Let’s get one thing straight: the holidays are chaotic. Between parties, travel plans, gift exchanges, and the “are we doing Secret Santa this year?” conundrum, it’s easy to let everything get out of hand. And it’s okay if you’re starting to feel like you’re playing mental Tetris with your schedule. But here’s where the mental wellness strategy comes in: the more you plan ahead, the more you can control the chaos. Even if it’s just writing down a list of your priorities, like ensuring you’ve carved out some time for yourself to watch your favourite holiday movie (is Die Hard a Christmas movie?) or to read a book by the fire, it can give you a sense of ownership over your time. And, let’s face it, you’ll need some downtime to avoid turning into the Grinch before Christmas Day.
But sometimes even the best-laid plans can go awry. It’s okay to laugh at how things don’t always unfold the way you envision them. The key is to hold on to that sense of humour. If you can’t find your car keys on Christmas morning, at least you can laugh at the absurdity of it all. Don’t let these little frustrations steal your joy. After all, mental wellness is all about learning how to let go of what you can’t control – and finding a little amusement in the process is a great way to do that.
When “jolly” feels more “jarring”.
Ah, family. The people who know you so well they could finish your sentences – but sometimes, they also know exactly how to push your buttons. If you’re feeling a little apprehensive about family gatherings, you’re not alone. For many, the holidays stir up old dynamics that can bring up feelings of stress, frustration, and even resentment. And let’s not forget the politics of seating arrangements, the gift-giving expectations, or the infamous “why are you still single?” questions. If the idea of spending hours with family feels more exhausting than exhilarating, you’re not imagining it. The truth is, being around loved ones can sometimes trigger emotional landmines, even if you’re genuinely grateful for them.
This is where prioritizing your mental wellness comes in. It’s okay to set boundaries and communicate them with kindness. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I need a break for a moment” when you start feeling overwhelmed. Taking a time out is not a sign of failure, it’s a sign of strength. Remember, you’re not obligated to attend every family gathering or respond to every unsolicited piece of advice. Your mental wellness matters.
And if things do get a little tense, don’t hesitate to take a step back. Humour can be a great tool here, too. Maybe the “uncomfortable” comment about your life choices can be met with a well-timed quip. You don’t have to engage with everything. Sometimes, the best way to keep the peace is to keep your distance – physically or emotionally. If all else fails, think of it this way: you survived 100% of your awkward family gatherings in the past. You’ve got this.
Tackle those holiday blues head on, and know it’s not just you.
For some people, the holidays can feel downright isolating. The pressure to be surrounded by loved ones or to be “in the spirit” can leave you feeling even more disconnected, especially if you’re struggling with your own emotions or facing a difficult situation. It’s important to remember that the holiday blues are a real thing. And if you’re feeling more “meh” than “merry”, you’re not alone.
This is a good time to pause and check in with yourself. Are you feeling down because of specific triggers, like memories of past holidays, loss, or changes in your life? Or is it more of a general sense of burnout from trying to do it all? Whatever the cause, there’s no shame in feeling “off” during the holidays. It’s actually an excellent time to reach out for support. If you’re feeling stuck, remember that clinical counselling can help you make sense of your emotions and provide tools to handle those moments of overwhelm.
You might think that attending a session after the holidays is a far-off thing, but making a plan to reach out now, and booking your appointment for January, can set you up for success in the New Year. Clinical counselling offers you a safe space to unpack what’s been weighing on your mind, and process difficult emotions that might have come up during the season. Plus, having that appointment booked can give you something to look forward to – a reminder that you’re actively working toward your mental wellness goals.
The post-holiday reset: new year, new you (but different).
You’ve made it through the holiday madness. You’ve survived the endless batches of shortbread cookies, the obligatory family photos, and the occasional social faux pas. Now, it’s time to think about how to reset and refresh for the New Year. Don’t fall in to the trap of thinking the “New Year, New You” mindset is all about drastic resolutions (hello, gym membership that lasts two weeks). Instead, focus on gradual changes that support your long-term mental wellness.
One of the best ways to ease into the New Year is by creating a plan to prioritize your mental wellness. Whether you’re looking to address lingering holiday stress, deal with personal challenges, or simply have a safe space to reflect on your goals, professional support can be the boost you need. And remember, just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to stop checking in with yourself. Start the New Year with a commitment to mental wellness that lasts well beyond New Years Day.
What’s the takeaway?
The holidays don’t have to be the season of burnout. With a little planning, a lot of humour, and a solid commitment to self-care, you can enjoy the season without losing yourself in the process. And when the calendar flips to January, take a moment to congratulate yourself for making it through – and then stick to your plan to keep your mental wellness a priority all year long. Because let’s face it, mental wellness doesn’t come in a gift box, but it’s the best present you can give yourself.
Ready to join us on a journey to greater mental wellness? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our intake process is simple and quick – simply fill out the contact form and a member of our team will be in touch within 24 hours for a 10 minute phone call, or book your own complimentary phone or Zoom chat with any clinician to get things started!