The holiday season is here! While often bringing joy, friendship, and the renewal of celebratory traditions, the winter holidays can also bring some additional stress. When stress is at its peak, it can be hard to stop, regroup, and find joy in the celebrations around us. Sometimes the holidays serve as reminders of a difficult time or bring about feelings of loss of control. In an effort to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, it is important to set-aside time to engage in some self-care practices. Self-care is an important practice for any time of year, but especially during the holidays in which emotions are heightened. The great thing about self-care is that it can be tailored to each individual to be the most effective. For some, taking a walk is what works, for others it’s crafting in the evening with a hot cup of tea.

Here are some self-care tips from Island Psychiatry & Behavioral Health that can help empower you and support you through this season.

• Acknowledge your feelings: It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during the holiday season. It’s OK to take time to process and express your feelings.
• Reach out: If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities.
• Be realistic: As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones.
• Set aside differences: Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations.
• Stick to a budget: Set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Also remember that happiness is not always bought, but rather shared with those you love. 
• Don’t abandon healthy habits: Keep your mind feeling good by keeping your body active and nourished. Overindulgence can often add to feelings of stress and guilt.
• Plan ahead: Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities to avoid stress from last-minute scrambling.
• Learn to say no: Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.
• Seek professional help: You are not alone. Talk to your healthcare provider if you find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, unable to sleep, irritable or hopeless.

For even more tips on mental wellbeing, click here for one of Island Health’s quick videos – Mindful Moments.