Not so merry this holiday season? With disrupted routines, high expectations and other pressures, stress and the holidays often go hand-in-hand.
Even during the non-holiday months, Americans’ relationship with stress is alarming. The Stress in America™ survey, conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), recently revealed that 24 percent of adults in the United States report extreme stress. What’s more, one-third of American adults report that their stress has increased over the last year.
For those already coping with stress or a mental illness, the holidays can be an especially difficult time. Here are some general tips for mental wellness this holiday season:
- Try to avoid overindulging. Consuming rich food and alcohol can lead to feelings of guilt or shame (as well as physical pain). When planning your holiday schedule, allow yourself opportunities to be active. Try to limit consumption or inactivity – do not try to eliminate them entirely.
- Take time for yourself. Avoid feeling pressured to please everyone else this holiday season. Take some time for self-care: go for a long walk or hike, read a new book, listen to your favorite music.
- Don’t take on too much. Don’t over-commit yourself or set unrealistic expectations this holiday season. Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks – do not take on more than you can handle.
- Volunteer. If you are experiencing loneliness and isolation this holiday season, try volunteering with a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. The work is rewarding and you may even make a few new friends.
- Seek support. Share some of the physical and emotional load this holiday season by calling GW’s Wellbeing Hotline. The hotline provides around-the-clock, confidential assistance ranging from life event planning to personal counseling from highly trained master’s- and doctoral- level clinicians (all at no cost to you). Learn more about the Wellbeing Hotline.
If you find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, unable to sleep, irritable and unable to face routine chores, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
