Five Tips for Mentally Surviving This Holiday Season
5 ways to manage through or simply embrace the holiday mess this year
‘Tis the season of endless parties, hectic schedules, holiday playlists on repeat, and a race to the elusive OOO message. We’re here for it (pun intended) but sometimes it can feel like the holiday szn is the antithesis to everything else we (try to) do in order to manage a healthy mental routine.
Love thy self
It sounds so obvious but in the midst of the holiday frenzy, don't forget to carve out some "me time." Whether it's a cozy night in, a solo meal, or literal 5 minutes in the bathroom while you decompress, make sure you're taking care of YOU.
Skip the stigma, not the meds
The holiday table is too crowded for stigma. Mental health is just as real and important as physical health. Remind your family that it's okay not to be okay sometimes. Opening up can lead to more support, compassion, and a stronger bond with those you love. And if you’re on meds, be proud of it! Taking your meds is an essential part of your self-care routine. It's a testament to your commitment to your well-being and should be celebrated.
Maintain but adapt
If your routine involves a ten-step skincare regime in the morning and at night, chances are some of that is getting tossed out the window this season (hopefully not literally, you likely spent good money on those products). Make note of what's absolutely essential in your routine. If getting a solid eight each night is non-negotiable, make bedtime a sacred commitment. When you focus on what matters most, you won't sweat foregoing the "nice-to-haves” for a few days.
Think more vibes, less things
If actual things stress you out, forget the gifts and embrace the vibes, fam. Consider giving someone the gift of your presence rather than more presents. You’d be surprised how much that could mean to someone this year.
Indulge in your favorite things
The holiday season doesn’t have to be about Insta-worthy moments and fancy gatherings. It can also be about indulging in the things that bring you pure joy that your less fun, routine-obsessed daily self might not allow. Watch trash television. Have that extra glass of wine. Have cold pizza for breakfast. No one is keeping score, we promise.
Sometimes, clinging to your routine adds more stress than just going with the flow for a few weeks. So, if you're white-knuckling it and missing out on all the fun, give yourself permission to let go. Remember, it's temporary, and flexibility has its perks. Letting part of your routine slide can create space for meaningful connections and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that do wonders for your well-being.