Friday, December 18, 2015
Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex
Tips to Maintain Mental Wellness through the Holidays
Looking for some tips to maintain mental wellness through the holidays? Check out these tips for coping with the holidays!
Holiday Survival Tips:
- Recognize that this a stressful time for all whether we are experiencing aloneness or overwhelmed by the tasks
- Feeling isolated is possible even when around people
- Support systems with contingency plans are important
- Some processing of personal experience can be done through journaling
- Planning and practicing self-care is crucial
- Taking time to re-energize, to take part in recreational activities is important; get fresh air every day, walk or exercise
- Volunteer with an organization to help others get through the season
- Celebrate successes during the Holiday season...a gift for me...
- Eat regularly and nutritiously
- Take some time and reflect on how you approach spirituality (as different from organized religion)
- Have emergency numbers on hand
Holiday Blues may include:
- Isolation
- Excessive teariness
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty getting out of bed
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- Self-care is deteriorating
- Less or more appetite than usual
Holiday Recipes for Wellness:
- From past experiences, strengths for coping
- Fresh air might energize
- New traditions can be started
- Give it time
- Crying can be soothing
- The gift of self-acceptance is free
Volunteering is a curative experience. If you would like to get involved with us at CMHA Middlesex as a volunteer, contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at volunteers@cmhamiddlesex.ca.
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