Mental health matters during the holidays

from Home for the Holidays 2021

Decking the halls

Mental heath matters during the holidays, too!

SEK Mental Health Center

The holiday season can be full of joy, but for many of us it can also bring on a lot of stress and anxiety. Memories of those we have lost, or encounters with estranged family or friends, can make this time of year hard. It’s important for us to take care of ourselves. Mental health matters, especially now. Here are some tips for maintaining mental health during the holidays.

1. Set boundaries

In our day-to-day lives, we have a lot of control. When the holidays roll around, though, our choices of friends, food, and social calendar can fluctuate. Family dynamics are also often out of our hands. Know what you can control, and what you can’t. Limit your exposure to negative influences, and stay focused on your own behavior, not those of others.

2. Know what you need

If you need to skip the office’s Christmas party, do so. If you need to take some extra time to unwind after a family dinner, take the time. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary in order to bring your best self to the world. That may mean you can’t make every event on your calendar, and that’s fine. Listen to what you need, and work on tuning out the voices of what you think you should be doing.

3. Eat well

The holidays often mean food, and one of the best ways we can practice self-care is by not overdoing it. Focus on a healthy diet and try to avoid heavy alcohol use. Healthy amounts of good foods can help keep your mood steady.

4. Get exercise

Winter is a beautiful time to take a walk. Exercise is also key to helping reduce stress. It lets us distract ourselves, put things in perspective and approach problems in a new way. We have tons of trails ready for you to explore, and it’s proven that time in nature makes us feel better. Get outside!

5. Communicate

Say what you need. If you’re hurting, tell someone. If you’re stressed, share why. If you’re feeling down, talk with a friend. None of us must go through trials alone, and we all deserve a helping hand. If you or someone you love is experiencing a crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. And please make use of our services here at Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. Mental health matters. Call us 24/7 at 1-8666-973-2241 or visit us online at sekmhc.org.

Hoping that all your days are “merry and bright” –your friends at RBVS

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Happy Holidays

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