The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be stressful and especially challenging for those impacted by mental illness.
For individuals and families coping with mental health challenges, the holiday season can be a lonely or stressful time, filled with anxiety and/or depression. If you’re living with a mental health condition, stress can also contribute to worsening symptoms.
Here are some suggestions for how you can reduce stress and keep your mental health at ease this holiday season:
- Stay active Immediate benefits of physical activity include improved cognition and reduced feelings of anxiety. Long-term benefits include reduced chances of diseases and a greater chance of living a longer life. Start your new year’s resolution early!
- Indulge in what makes you happy All too often, we fall into a daily routine, losing sight of our interests. According to the National Institute of Aging, participating in hobbies and other social and leisure pursuits may lower the risk of developing dementia.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle With the holidays comes big delicious meals and plentiful desserts. Make sure to treat yourself while remembering to take care of your body! Ensure proper exercise and nutrition to keep yourself mentally and physically in good health.
- Engage in social activities There are countless worries stemming from COVID-19, but being social is more attainable than ever thanks to technology. If you are unable to travel this holiday season, engage in video calls to interact with the people you hold nearest to you! Here is a list of user-friendly video calling devices and apps.
Wherever this holiday season takes you, we would like to give you our sincerest wishes of happiness and health!
