As the holiday season is upon us, it can be a time of joy, celebration, & connection. For many people, it can also be a time of stress, sadness, & can dig up past wounds. It’s important to remember the necessity of maintaining our mental, emotional, & physical well-being. Here are three essential tips to support your mental health during this busy time of year:
- Set Realistic Expectations: The holidays often come with pressures & expectations to create meaningful moments. Try to remind yourself that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned, or if you’re unable to meet the pressures that you may be feeling from yourself or others. Embrace the imperfections & find joy in the simple moments, while reminding yourself of what’s meaningful & important to you.
- Take Time for Yourself: Amidst the holiday hustle, it’s essential to set aside time for you. Try to envision those activities that nourish you (as opposed to depleting). Make sure you’re engaging in at least 1 of these nourishing activities each day with intention. This will help to give you more energy as opposed to taking it away. And remember the basics & essentials: balanced nutrition, hydration (try to drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily), 7-9 hours of quality sleep, & daily movement.
- Stay Connected: Reach out to your trusted support system- friends, family, significant others, community groups, etc. Sharing your feelings & experiences can be a powerful way to feel heard, understood, supported, & empowered. While these tips are a great start, sometimes we need a bit more support to help navigate through life’s challenges & complexities. This is where professional guidance can make life changing impacts.
Take the First Step Today:
My name’s Dr. Anissa York and I’m a Licensed Psychologist who provides personalized therapy throughout CA. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care tailored to your unique needs. I invite you to check out the services that I offer and schedule a free consultation with me to learn more: dranissayork.com