10 Practices to Promote Positive Mental Health During the Holidays
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by dialing or texting 988 from a smartphone. You will be connected with a counselor immediately.
INTRO
This week we are talking about one of the most important topics in Next Gen. Let’s talk about 10 practices to promote positive mental health during the holidays.
Is this really ‘the most wonderful time of the year’? Is there really ‘peace on earth’, and ‘joy to the world’?
It’s a well-known and researched fact that the holiday season worsens or triggers mental health symptoms in many people. If you already have depression, this time of year can make it worse. But, even people without diagnosed mental illness are vulnerable to different levels of stress.
The entire season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, causes stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness for many reasons:
* Stress is a major component of holiday blues. The stress associated with buying gifts, making big dinners, and attending or being left out of parties can become overwhelming.
* If you can’t meet your high expectations of gift giving and receiving it will also add to feelings of guilt.
* Finances cause a great deal of anxiety this time of year, particularly when coupled with the expectations of gift buying.
* Some people end up isolated during the holidays, which can trigger depression.
* With the New Year comes a potential for isolation and the feelings being alone causes from being left off the invitation list to parties, or even not having someone to kiss at midnight.
* The New Year can often be the source of a lack of optimism and excitement for the coming year.
* Being off work or on vacation can be both positive and negative during the Holiday season.
* Grief is often amplified at the holidays, especially if you have lost a close loved one.
* The alcohol use that comes with the Holidays, especially at New Years, does not help balance all of the feelings that come at this season.
* The colder weather and shorter days may trigger seasonal depression.
All of these issues, and more, apply to the Thanksgiving through the New Year’s Holiday depression. Someone said that the Holidays do not necessarily cause mental health issues, but, that the Holidays highlight poor mental health issues. So here are some practical ways to help you with mental health during the holidays.
10 Practices to Promote Positive Mental Health:
To help with this seasonal depression, we are going to look at 10 practical ways to fight poor mental health.
1. Volunteer.
Doing something for others often helps to take our mind off of our own problems for a bit. Unselfishness is a mood shifter.
2. Don't be alone for too long.
Plan a coffee date, go to a church service, find a support group.
3. Get outside.
I know the weather can be an issue this time of the year, but, fresh air, sunshine, and movement can help change your physiology and ultimately your mood.
4. Join a fitness center or gym.
This gets you active and around people - which can both be very positive things during the holiday season. Total health includes physical health.
5. Journal daily.
Getting your feelings on paper then turning the page can help you release those feelings. Focusing on what you do have can help you see your life has some very positive things in it too. Make a gratitude list that can shift your thinking to gratefulness.
6. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Deep sleep has a profound effect on your mental health. No sugar before bed, light exercise before bed, and even a warm shower will improve your chances of better sleep.
7. Worship.
The power of music is undeniable. However, when we prioritize worship the atmosphere changes. One of the great ways to calm yourself down and prepare yourself for sleep is worship.
8. Talk to a therapist or a mental health coach.
Getting help for your mental health doesn't mean you are weak or have failed. In fact, it means that you have maturity, self-awareness, and strength to get support and make necessary changes in your life. There is no shame in seeking regular professional counsel.
9. Read a book or do a puzzle or play a game.
These are activities that require focus and takes your attention off of any unpleasant feelings you are having for a bit.
10. Laugh.
Turn on a funny movie or watch funny videos that make you laugh. You'd be surprised by the long list of benefits that come with laughter. Boasting your immune system, heart health, releasing endorphins, and increased oxygen are all great side benefits from laughter.
The Bible says in Proverbs 17, ‘laughter does good like a medicine…’
Laughter not only improves your mental health but also your immune system and overall wellness. It's hard to feel stressed when you're laughing!
Please make it a point to apply some of these practices during this holiday season. It only takes a few simple disciplines to create positive mental health.
FINALLY
I want to mention here that we are going to be adding 2 very important ministries to ythology in 2024.
First, we are increasing our Next Gen Coaching and looking for 5 more leaders to personally mentor. These weekly sessions will begin in February.
•low cost high impact
•8 month personal ministry development
•2 personal onsite meetings
•weekly zoom/google hangout/FT meetings
•64 point evaluation
Second, we are adding life coaching in January through the coaching extension of ythology. Jessica has completed the Certified Life Coaching certification with American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and will begin contract coaching in January.
If you are interested in either of these two services, just fill out the CONTACT form on the website at ythology.com and we will send you all the details.
More to come on all of these exciting new ministries.
So listen, put these principles into practice for better mental health right now.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help can also be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by dialing or texting 988 from a smartphone. You will be connected with a counselor immediately.