Maintaining wellness during the holidays

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People Talking Celebrating Thanksgiving Holiday Concept

Self care

  At the Mental Health Association, we ask the question, “Where’s your wellness?”In other words, what are the things you do to promote your own wellness? What healthy habits can you fall back on when times get tough?Whether it is meditation, spending time playing with a pet, walking, listening to music, calling a supportive friend, or visiting a counselor, make a plan before the holiday season to meet your needs and recharge your spirit. Make your own mental health a priority.

Moderation

  One common way to deal with stress is to overindulge in food and drink during the holidays. Overindulging can have long-term consequences that impact your health. Making a self-care plan can help you resist the temptation to fall back on unhealthy habits during times of stress.

Know when to say “no”

  If you feel overwhelmed by your activities (or the activities of family and friends), learn to say “no.” You don’t have to go to everything and it’s important not to take on more than you can handle. Start saying “yes”to you! Say “yes” to you prioritizing yourself and your well being.  e holidays can be a time where we put o  allowing ourselves to rest. Taking time to take care of yourself sometimes means saying “no.”

Avoid perfection

  Not everything has to be perfect. You don’t have to be “superwoman.” Ask yourself what really needs to be done and don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Prioritize what’s really important. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, too. You’re not alone.

Reach out

  Building the skills to manage stress and support your mental wellness can be challenging at any time.  This can be particularly true during naturally stressful times such as the holidays. If you need support, there are organizations that can direct you to community resources to meet your needs. Your mental health is too important not to make it a priority.