The holiday season can bring on mixed feelings of sadness, loss, and loneliness.Â
The following skills below are helpful in coping with the stress of the holidays if you find yourself navigating this season alone (University of Rochester, n.d.).
- Practice mindfulness – this will help slow down preoccupations, and promote mental wellness.
- Take a break- it’s okay to say no, and give yourself time and space to process.Â
- Spend time outside -Getting some air and sunlight can boost mood, and improve breathing.
- Reach out to others – Reach out to friends or family, or make new friends.Â
- Volunteer- helping others can improve mood and well-being.
- Limit alcohol- Alcohol is a depressant, and can increase symptoms of depression.Â
- Create/ stick to your routine – Try to incorporate enough rest/ sleep daily.
- Be kind to yourself.
- Talk to your doctor, or call the crisis hotline (988) if you have any severe concerns about the state of your mental- healthÂ
References
University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Help for the holiday blues https://www.urmc.
