Mind Body’s Guide to Taking Care of your Mental Health Over
the Holidays
The Holiday season is upon us, and along with the Hallmark
joy, food, cheer, and presents, comes the not-so-jolly exacerbations of
anxiety, stress, and depression. These feelings are not uncommon, but not
commonly talked about. They are brought up by stresses over money and overindulging,
perfectionism and high expectations, triggers of loss and trauma, family issues,
and overcommitting oneself during this time of year.
BUT!
From yours truly here at Mind Body Co-op, is a list of
tips and tricks to help you take care of your mental health to avoid and lessen
the stressors brought on over the holiday season. Taken straight from our staff,
try these out this season....
- Boundaries. The biggest and most popular suggestion to come from our staff is boundaries. Our Medical Director and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Dr. Jenni Osborne wrote, specifically, “BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES!”. Jillian Lynum, one of our staff psychologists, says, “learning to say no to demands and not overexerting yourself” is a number one struggle during the holidays and practicing setting boundaries should be a priority.
- Self-Care. Self-care was the second most popular answer from our team. While this should be practiced year-round, paying special attention to your needs and addressing them accordingly is very important during this busy time of year. Dr. Beth Elia, our Clinical Psychologist, gives examples of “starting yoga or Pilates, which can be done for free with apps or YouTube at home-even for 20 minutes. Our Director of Somatic Mindfulness Therapy, Jamie Klausing suggests scented/Aromatherapy showers and detox baths, or to self-care however you best do it. We often think of what we can do for others during this time of year, which, while nice and gratuitous, can be stressful and draining. Dr. Kellie Rice, our Founder and Clinical Director prompts us to remember, “You are not responsible for other people’s feelings!”. Don’t forget to do things for YOU.
- Plan. Irina, one of our psychotherapists and a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, suggests we “Rehearse, plan, and prepare if you think could be something you might struggle with”, with Dr. Kellie Rice reminds us that “Past behaviors are the best predicters or future behaviors”. Recognize your stressors, limits, and boundaries, and make a plan on how you are going to handle them, have planned activities set, and “cope ahead”, planning phrases and behaviors for triggering comment and events. Other suggestions include having a trusted phone list of people you can call for support, and even to have scheduled check-ins with this special list of people.
- Be gentle with yourself. Christa Eastburn, the Director of Client Relations and Co-Facilitator of our Adventure Therapy Program, wants you to remember to keep your head up and be gentle with yourself. Apply this one all over this holiday season! Such as, all food is good food in moderation, don’t focus on meeting all the expectations and obligations we and our families put upon us, and have confidence that you can handle this time of year. Positive self-talk and journaling can help practice this important one. Aimee Doko, one of our somatic psychotherapists, also suggests that "rather than repressing your thoughts or memories, allow yourself to express your feelings". Be aware of all the positive and negative thoughts you are experiencing and give yourself permission to feel them, and take care of them accordingly.
Everyone feels some kind of stress during
the holidays. Exacerbation of anxiety and depression are common as well. Hopefully,
with these tips, we can all find the joy and love this season is supposed to be
about. This holiday season, take care of yourself and your mental health.
Happy Holidays,
The Mind Body Co-op Team
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