Tips For Navigating The Holiday Season

The holiday season is filled with festivities, excitement, and a sense of anticipation. It’s a time to unite with loved ones and focus on what truly matters. However, the holidays can also bring stress from expectations, the weight of commitments, and difficult emotions stirred by loss or family complexities. At WMPS, we want to help you continue to nurture your mental wellness and navigate this season together. Here are a few tips to help you sleigh the holidays. 

Practice Self-Care

The holiday hustle can make it easy to put self-care on the back burner, but taking care of yourself should remain a priority, no matter how busy the season gets. From unorganized plans to too much family time or the financial stress of gifts and festivities, taking the time to recharge is more important than ever. Try to plan something for yourself, whether that is grabbing your favorite seasonal drink on your way to work, cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa at night, or journaling your feelings. Self-care can look different for everyone, but remember, it should be a time to relax and prioritize what your mental wellness needs. The holiday season is just an excuse to put a festive spin on an important practice!

Set Boundaries And Realistic Expectations

Setting boundaries with loved ones and managing responsibilities is essential during the holiday season. Advocate for strategies that are realistic for you, whether it’s choosing to stay in a hotel, asking someone else to host, or suggesting a cost-effective Secret Santa. By sharing your ideas, you can set clear boundaries and provide alternatives that help manage your stress. When clarifying your expectations, speak with honesty and compassion to ensure your needs are understood while protecting others’ feelings. Instead of pushing yourself to meet everyone’s expectations, create a holiday that feels exciting and manageable for you!

Mindfulness Activities 

Mindfulness helps you become more attuned to your body and mind. Practicing activities like journaling, reflecting on gratitude, meditating in the morning, or reading a motivational book are all mindful activities that you can incorporate into your routine. Make mindful reflection an activity you look forward to by pairing it with a cup of eggnog or adding a creative twist, like watercolor painting or drawing. 

Mindful activities can also calm your body’s fight or flight response during times of heightened emotions or anxiety. Try focusing on your breathing, identifying colors around you, or ask yourself, “What can I feel right now?” “What can I smell, see, or taste?” Mindful strategies like these can help bring you out of your overwhelmed state and shift your focus to the present. Another approach to mindfulness is nurturing your body with the fuel it needs to feel your best. This includes getting the right daily nutrients, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, managing stress, and staying active. 

We understand it can feel overwhelming to do it all. Taking time to relax, prioritize sleep, eat well, and ground yourself isn’t always easy. To help, try checking in daily with questions like, “What do I need today?” “How can I fuel my body?” or “What am I grateful for?” Embrace each day as it comes, and remember that caring for yourself can and should take priority.

Ask For Help

Lightening your load during the holidays can make the season more enjoyable for everyone. If you’re hosting, ask guests to make a dish to share. If you’re preparing dinner, invite someone to help out in the kitchen. It can be hard to balance the desire to make everything perfect and letting yourself enjoy the moment, but remember: asking for help isn’t selfish, it’s important. Planning ahead and asking others to share the responsibility, whether big or small, can help you to take a deep breath and enjoy the festivities. Who knows? Letting others help you might even lead to one of your most cherished memories this season. 

At WMPS, we want to come alongside you and support you throughout every season. Our dedicated team is ready to help you find a balance during the holidays and provide the support you need to continue your wellness journey. Connect with us today!