Creating a Hopeful Holiday Season: A Recipe for Managing Mental Health

Did you know that when it comes to mental health, you can (to a great extent) be the master of your own holiday season? This time of year tends to spark many thoughts and feelings in each of us. The holidays represent a complex period of time; it doesn’t simply amount to one single event. I think of the holidays as a number of more formal moments that are often filled with expectations and all kinds of feelings.

One thing I do each year is to allow myself to experience many different emotions. This gives me the opportunity to have many moments of joy and to manage the tough moments as well. I’d like to share some tips I find helpful in creating a hopeful holiday season. Think of this as a mental health holiday season recipe. Like any good recipe, effort and practice is needed. Feel free to adjust these ingredients to your own taste and use what works best for you!

Reimagine the Holiday: Consider what the holiday means to you and think about how you would like to spend your time. Lean into the little things that give you a sense of joy and stay away from things that bring you down or anxious. Remember: it’s okay to say no to things or do nothing.

Reach out and connect, if it feels right. Reach out to those who energize your celebratory spirit. Share planning ideas and moments. Connect with people who may be alone. Do not reach out to people who do not bring positive feelings. They will find something else to do.

Set Boundaries: It’s okay to reduce stress by removing yourself from situations that cause you anxiety, anger or other toxic feelings. Do what feels right to you; no explanation needed.

Avoid toxic behaviors: Manage or avoid intake of alcohol and drugs. Don’t drive with intoxicated people, and develop a safe travel plan. If necessary, leave tempting situations, and instead lean into self-care.

Revise and Renew: Gather new ideas for finding meaning and joy and replenish as needed. Revise or start your own new tradition. Make it special with little things that are meaningful to you.

With the holiday season approaching, it’s up to you to plan and make your experience personal to you. Many of us feel different types of pressure from family, friends, and other considerations. But when it comes down to it, in regard to your mental health and setting appropriate boundaries, your holiday experience is a recipe of your own choosing. If you want, don’t do anything special! It can be a regular day. Metaphorically speaking, you don’t have to whip up a giant, five-course meal.

The most important thing is to keep going. You are more resilient than you think. If you are hurting, push on until things change for the better, because they will. In the meantime, reach out to others to support you, and support others who need support.

Whoever and wherever you are, and whatever you’re going through, please know that I am wishing you joy and meaning, however you spend the holiday season.