INDIANA – As the saying goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the holiday season. Holidays can bring joy, happiness, and special times. But for so many people, the holidays can bring sad feelings and emotions to the surface, such as grief, loss, and loneliness, as well as mental health concerns and financial concerns.
Regardless of our opinions surrounding the holiday season, taking care of ourselves and our needs during this busy time is essential. According to UC Davis Health, we can employ many different strategies to reduce stress during this time.
First, it’s important to enjoy family on our terms and respect each other’s boundaries. Have a plan if you need space from your family, whether finding quiet time in another room, having someone you can call for a few minutes to talk, or leaving altogether. It is okay to take time for yourself, even if the belief is that holidays are meant to be spent with others.
Prioritize yourself and your mental and physical health. Don’t overschedule yourself to please others. Maintain healthy habits. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat the best for your body, and attempt movement daily. Write down what you have planned, decide if it is too much for you, and eliminate some activities if necessary.
When giving gifts during the holiday season, the amount of money spent is not what is essential. Give what is within your budget. A small, homemade gift is just as special as the newest, biggest, “must have” item. You can show you care about someone without putting yourself in a tight financial situation. As they say, “It’s the thought that counts.”
Lastly, if you are alone, please reach out to someone. Send a message to a friend or family member for support. If you are in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
During this time when it’s easy to get overwhelmed by shopping, events, and long to-do lists, let’s prioritize ourselves this holiday season.
Jordyn Bryant, MSW, LSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at West Elementary School in Posey County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 126 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 53,000 youth and families per year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
