Wellstar Offers Tips to Balance Mental Health During Holidays

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic provides new challenges for holiday celebrations and planning, at times adding stress amid a most challenging year.

The team at Wellstar Health System, including psychiatrists Dr. Allison Peklansky and Dr. Catharine Wolfe, recommend following the “Five Gifts of Hope for the Holidays” activities or considerations for balancing mental health during the holiday season:

• Give Yourself a Break—Don’t be hard on yourself or set unrealistic expectations to maintain an ever-happy or always jolly demeanor through the holidays. Many people are experiencing financial concerns due to job reduction, pay cuts, or loss. Ease up on pressuring yourself to buy and spend or finding the perfect gift. Plan and stick to a modest budget to avoid creating additional financial stress or consider a gift exchange focused on family rather than gifts for everyone.

• Give from the Heart—Gifts don’t always have to be bought. Create homemade keepsakes or just prioritize time with your family (preferably via virtual channels). Personalized cards, a letter, an extended one on one phone call with someone you’ve not spoken to in months – any of these activities are inexpensive and appreciated (and you’ll feel better for the renewed connections, too).

• Give Back—Instead of spending money on traveling to see family or making a big meal, think about donating to a charity that will provide care for others, such as a local food distribution organization. There are many people who have been adversely impacted by food insecurity during the pandemic, so helping local organizations that provide food access to vulnerable people is a great way to honor the spirit of the holidays and does great things for your own mindful health.

• Give Peace of Mind (to family, others, and yourself)—Spreading joy should be the goal, not spreading the coronavirus. During a pandemic travel is discouraged, no matter how much you want to see family and friends. You could unknowingly get someone you know very ill. If it is necessary to travel, take precautions to minimize possible COVID-19 transmission. Ask everyone who will gather to quarantine before and afterward, travel in your own car if possible, and (BYOE) Bring Your Own Everything. Don’t forget to wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance to help keep everyone safe.

• Give Hope for the Future—While the future is never certain, we can always be hopeful for a bright tomorrow through a positive outlook or re-invigorating a sense of purpose. Be optimistic for next year and what is to come including new life experiences or reconnecting with loved ones when it is safer to do so because holidays can truly be celebrated any time of the year.

Along with these suggestions, it is also “normal” and acceptable to simply use the holidays to unplug and recharge. And it is normal and acceptable to acknowledge disappointment, sadness, or other strong emotions (it’s good to share these feelings, too, as it is another way to relieve pressure).

Expressions of gratitude for what one does have, even in prolonged periods of austerity, can go a long way to reinforcing one’s positive mental state through the holidays.