Staying Mentally Healthy During The Holidays
Christmas continues to get closer and although you may be very busy during this time, give yourself a break to make sure you’re mentally healthy! With everything going on during this time of year, it’s good to check in with yourself in order to be there for your loved ones. Here at Southern Arizona Eldercare, we did some research and came up with a few things that we think can benefit just about anyone.
1. Recognize your feelings- This time of year can be extremely hard for many people- you may have recently lost a loved one which makes celebrating the holidays hard, but give yourself time to grieve. Since everyone grieves in their own way, find what works best for you (hopefully a safe solution) and engage in what makes you feel better.
2. Get Help/Reach out- If you’re feeling isolated or lonely, be sure to reach out to someone. Have a good support group in which you can rely on to help you through any tough time you’re having. You may also want to volunteer- giving back can most definitely lift your spirits and help you make some new friends.
3. Take a little time for yourself- You don’t want to isolate yourself too much but a little time to yourself can be good- Maybe take a quiet walk, listen to some relaxing music, read a book or treat yourself to a massage.
4. Plan- Rather than run around at the last minute, try to plan ahead. Create a list of gifts you need and stores you need to go to in order to help things go a little smoother. This also applies for cooking during the holidays- make sure you’ve got all the ingredients necessary to avoid running to the store at the last minute. Don’t forget about online shopping either!
5. Be realistic- Not every holiday is going to go just as planned and some of the traditions you’re used to may change.
6. Say no- Some of your friends and family may be pulling you in a million different directions, wanting to do certain activities. If you’re tired and overwhelmed, politely tell them you’ll pass on a specific outing. Explain to your friend or family member what you’re going through, tell them to have a good time and maybe you’ll have a little less on your plate next time.
Finally, if you’re feeling so overwhelmed that nothing you’ve tried has helped and you’re at your wit’s end, seek professional help. Despite your best efforts, you may still be feeling sad and depressed at professional help could most definitely benefit you. If you need any help finding a professional or need any kind of companionship please don’t hesitate to reach out to us- If we can’t help directly, we can certainly point you in the right direction.
Best Wishes,
Southern Arizona Eldercare
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