The holidays are just around the corner. While they can be a time of joy, excitement, and togetherness, they’re also often known for being stressful. That’s especially true if you’ll be spending more time with your extended family than usual.
From unrealistic expectations to unhealthy family relationships, navigating family dynamics during the holidays can take a toll on your mental well-being. Thankfully, there are things you can do to boost your mental health and enjoy the season, rather than letting unhealthy family dynamics ruin things for you. Let’s look at a few effective tips you can use for a mentally healthy holiday, year after year.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that no family is perfect. You’ll create a more stressful environment for yourself and everyone else if your expectations surrounding the holiday are unattainable. Instead, focus on the things you can control and let go of the things that are out of your grasp. That doesn’t mean you have to set the bar low. It’s okay to want your holiday gatherings to be nice. But, think about your family and what to expect, and you’ll be more prepared if something doesn’t go exactly as planned.
Set Boundaries
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your mental health during the holidays is to learn the power of “no.”
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you have to be rude, harsh, or disrespectful. Rather, it’s about protecting yourself and your mental well-being. Decide what you’re willing to do, who you’re willing to spend time with, and where you’re willing to go.
Make your boundaries clear and concise with your family members. If they try to cross those boundaries, they need to understand that there will be consequences. Open communication is key, so make sure you welcome it from others, too.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is important all year, but it’s especially effective during the holidays when things can be stressful.
Try to maintain a consistent routine. Go to bed around the same time each night, eat a healthy diet, and get as much physical activity as possible. If you find that you’re struggling with your mental health, try daily habits like journaling, meditation, or yoga.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Having negative feelings about your family can cause a lot of guilt, stress, and anxiety. It doesn’t have to.
It’s okay to acknowledge your feelings, even if they’re negative. You’re not wrong for feeling a certain way. Instead of shaming yourself about those emotions, consider why they’re there. What caused them? Is there something you need to try to work out with certain family members? Or, perhaps it’s better to distance yourself from certain people to maintain your mental health.
Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude
There’s really no better time of year to be grateful for the things you have. In the midst of holiday stress and chaos, choose to spend time each day focusing on the things in your life you’re thankful for.
Consider going one step further with a gratitude journal. By writing down a few things each day, you’ll keep stress from taking over. You’ll also have a log to look back on when you’re feeling overwhelmed to remind yourself of the good things in your life.
Seeking Help
For many, the holidays can be lonely, especially if you’re dealing with negative family dynamics. Don’t feel like you have to carry that weight on your own.
If you’re struggling to navigate family dynamics this holiday season, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy can help you understand the source of your stress, and offer even more tips on how to manage it.
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