What is normally a joyous time spent celebrating with friends and loved ones has in many instances been replaced with emotions such as fear, anxiety and loneliness.
Many individuals may find their mental health under strain, having deteriorated as a result of all they have experienced this year. But despite these challenges, we can hope for better days, and, with mindful planning and preparation, approach this Christmas season filled with hope and optimism.
Indeed, this festive season can herald the advent of a new dawn for our mental well-being.
Here are some useful tips to ensure you feel less overwhelmed and are able to enjoy the holidays celebrating with those we love. Think of them as a roadmap for creating joyous memories.
- Remember; you don’t have to do everything on our own.
As you plan for those family and friend celebrations, it is important to share the responsibilities and ask for help when you need it. The old saying “many hands make light work” couldn’t be more appropriate and could potentially be the difference between you feeling overwhelmed or being able to enjoy the company of loved ones as you create new memories.
- Everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
Who doesn’t love to have that special party with just the right amount of everything? But pulling that off often comes with a large dose of pressure, and if you’re already feeling the strain after this challenging year, just remember the desire to host that “perfect” celebration shouldn’t aim for unrealistic standards. Just do your best.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
We all know that once the celebrations are over, the New Year will come and there will be financial responsibilities to be met. One of the best ways to ensure we don’t start 2021 experiencing financial pressure and feeling overwhelmed is to set a budget and to stick to it. Financial discipline can save you from a great deal of pressure as you head into the New Year.
- Let your values guide you.
As the advertising ramps up and the pressure to please mounts, it is easy to let our emotions influence us. The pressure to compete with what we see others doing on social media, or the pressure of our emotions jerking us around, can cause us to commit to actions that are out of character. Always allow your values to guide you. Simply ask, what is important to me? What do I value most? You can use these reflective questions to help guide your decision making rather than being swayed by big emotions such as guilt or frustration.
Finally, be mindful of those around you who are lonely and in need of company, or just doing it tough. Kindness towards others can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you do this season.
