The holiday season is all about cheer and togetherness — at least that’s the idea. In practice, all those gifts, travel plans, and family reunions you look forward to may also be the things that make the stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s excessively disorganized.
Even the most celebratory of people can feel depressed at this time of year, and there are many reasons for this – the financial stress of buying gifts; Social pressure to interact with coworkers, friends, family; And the countless activities that make the holidays magical. Furthermore, this season can be a painful reminder of those we have lost or become estranged from – and for anyone making the journey home, it can mean being pushed back into old identities and dynamics we thought we had left behind.
Although it’s completely normal to feel exhausted and anxious, the good news is that there are ways to move past this and take care of your mental health. Here are some expert-recommended strategies to guarantee a less stressful, more enjoyable holiday season.
1. Lower your perfectionistic expectations.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of the perfect holiday celebration. But you don’t have to buy the “best” or most expensive gift for everyone, decorate every part of your home, or bake an Instagram-bait pumpkin pie to have a memorable time.
Things can and will go wrong, no matter how experienced a holiday host you are. So instead of quickly judging your shortcomings or fuming over minor inconveniences, “give yourself the grace to not have everything perfect.” Katherine Mogil, PsyDa psychologist and associate clinical professor at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, tells SELF.
A little self-compassion can go a long way: Not only can it make us more resilient in times of stress and more optimistic about perceived failures, but it can also provide a much-needed perspective shift to help you focus less on what goes wrong and more on the positives—like how incredible it is to reconnect with friends and family despite your flight being delayed, or, perhaps, how ridiculous it was to bake cornbread with your cousin, even though it Taste good. Dirt.
2. Maintain some of your routine.
Man thrives on routine. Consistent, healthy habits—like eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep regularly—fight stress, improve our mental health and make our lives more meaningful, Research Gives suggestions. However, during the holidays, you’re probably eating and drinking more than usual, which can throw off your circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) and all the other vital body functions.
