Despite the fun and family bonding, the holidays are also a time of great stress. Buying presents, scheduling visits and getting everything done at work are each overwhelming, and the increased anxiety and tension turns what should be a relaxing time into a constant source of frustration. Here are seven tips to protect your mental health and combat stress this holiday season:
1. Don't expect perfection
It's impossible to have a perfect holiday. A child won't get the present they want, or grandma's flight might be delayed. Accept that there are things beyond your control, and count your blessings every time something goes right.
2. Volunteer
We've all been told that the holidays are a time for giving back, but volunteering does more than help those less fortunate. One U.K. study found elders who volunteered had a greater sense of wellbeing than those who had not given back. While volunteering didn't have an immediate effect on people in early adulthood and middle age, those who did so in their youth experienced better mental health as they grew older.
People who volunteer in their youth are happier in old age.
3. Get outside the house
You'll probably be tempted to stay inside if you feel the holiday blues, but putting yourself in a different environment helps elevate your mood. Call up a friend for a low-key evening of movies and popcorn. If you feel like being alone, head to a free festival or concert.
4. Maintain healthy habits
Between finishing end-of-the-year tasks at work and getting all your shopping done, it's easy to forget about sleep, diet and exercise. However, these activities are all critical for a healthy mindset. Try to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night so you're not running on empty the next morning. Avoid quick meals like fast food or microwave noodles. These provide a calorie bump but are devoid of nutrients that benefit your mental health. According Harvard Medical School, people who eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish and unprocessed grains are 25 to 35 percent less likely to be depressed. In fact, 95 percent of your body's supply of serotonin comes from your gastrointestinal tract.
Finally, schedule at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Even something as simple as a walk in the park can boost your mood. As the Canadian Mental Health Association of Toronto detailed, developing an exercise habit is as effective at treating mild to moderate depression as psychotherapy.
5. Assign responsibilities
Don't try to tackle all aspects of the holidays yourself. You'll easily get overworked, and you might start to resent friends and family members for not contributing. Instead, break up each task and assign them to specific individuals. For example, you can be responsible for getting presents for your children while your husband is in charge of buying and mailing holiday cards. Not only does this prevent you from doing the bulk of the work but, as the Public Health Agency of Canada emphasized, assigning tasks eliminates uncertainty. You're less likely to feel stressed if you have a clear idea of who is doing what.
Decide who will accomplish each holiday task.
6. Stick to a budget
Don't try to impress by spending money on expensive presents or a lavish dinner if you can't afford it. The holidays are all about the company you keep, after all, and it's easy to have a great time while sticking to a budget. Look into free shipping deals and go the DIY route if possible. Forbes recommended spacing out your purchases across several weeks so you don't blow through your bank account in one day.
7. Plan something fun after the holidays
It's normal to see your mood drop after the Christmas fever settles down and everything returns to normal. Plan something simple yet fun to look forward to a few weeks into January. Treat yourself to a massage, plan to catch a play or even schedule a weekend picnic with a loved one.