Dec 2022

Take Care of Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

No matter your age, we all feel excited, stressed, or anxious from time to time during the holiday season. There is pressure to attend social events, find the perfect gifts, travel, schedule family get-togethers, and more that can take a toll on one’s mental health.
Michaela Reynolds
4 min.

No matter your age, we all feel excited, stressed, or anxious from time to time during the holiday season. There is pressure to attend social events, find the perfect gifts, travel, schedule family get-togethers, and more that can take a toll on one’s mental health.

This year may be especially challenging if you are dealing with the loss of loved ones, are away from family, have financial stress, or are overwhelmed with all of the added demands that come with the holidays. If you feel anxious or depressed during the holiday season, know you are not alone. 

Here are a few tips from Mental Health First Aid to help you take care of your mental health this holiday season.

Focus on what you can control.

In today’s world, there are many distractions and things you cannot control. To minimize anxiety and stress, focus on what you can control and stay away from anything that doesn’t benefit your physical and mental health. 

Keep healthy habits.

Although the holidays may throw your regular routine off; make sure to continue to exercise, eat well, and get adequate sleep. 

Make time for yourself.

Going to parties, traveling, and spending time with family or friends, especially if you have not seen them in the last few years, can be overwhelming. Make sure to take breaks and find time to spend by yourself, whether walking, playing video games, or reading a book. 

Create new traditions.

Find happiness in creating new holiday traditions and letting go of past traditions that may no longer be attainable. 

Ask for help if you need it.

If you are feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional or a primary care physician, for guidance and support.

During a time when prioritizing mental well-being may be challenging, we hope these five tips help you manage your mental health during this holiday season.

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As a 501(c)3 non-profit, Ready, Set, Gold! relies on grant funding, corporate sponsorship and private donations.  To make a tax-deductible donation to Ready, Set, Gold! please email info@lasports.org.