SANTA IS MAKING HIS LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE, AND YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME
Holiday mental health checklist
10 helpful reminders to help combat Anxiety & Depression this holiday season
By Sonya Camille
- REMEMBER- Remember why we celebrate this holiday. Remember that it’s not about the gifts, the entertaining, the Christmas parties, or the grand holiday meals. Instead, it’s about
reflecting and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, creating memories, and loving others. - PROJECTING IS YOUR WORST ENEMY- Try not to project ahead. -Try to slow down and enjoy the small and large moments this holiday season without focusing on what you have to do next. Shorten your to-do list and realize that if everything does not get done, your tomorrow will still be filled with extraordinary, memorable, and loving moments that will last a lifetime. live in the moment and be present in the moment. Your loved ones will remember the memories and that you were there creating memories with them. Give yourself permission to let some things go, and try not to pressure yourself to do more.
- EXERCISE- it’s incredible what exercise and movement will do for
your mental health. Carve out time each day for a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise. Remember, even in a colder climate, you can walk in place in your home or turn on Christmas music and dance. - DEVELOP A HOLIDAY BUDGET- Set a budget and stick to it! Be creative with gift-giving, and remember that it’s the thought that truly counts. Remember, if someone makes you feel bad about the gift you gave them, then perhaps they didn’t deserve to be given a gift. Instead, surround yourself with others who have a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving, and I assure you, they will love whatever you decide to give them-even if your gift to them is a lovely note or card and the ultimate gift of your time.
- PLAN DOWN TIME- set aside time to rest, visit with friends and family, shop, bake, or do whatever you enjoy. Enjoy time alone with loved ones while sipping hot chocolate and snuggling on the sofa with your favorite throw or blanket. Listening to Christmas music by the fireplace and Christmas tree is great for your mental health.
- EAT HEALTHY- I know it’s hard! Enjoy the holiday treats but do so in moderation. In between those holiday treats, make great healthy choices.
- SERVE, SERVE, SERVE- Phillippians 2:4 says, “Look not every man on his things, but every man also on the things of others” Serving and ministering to others is KEY! Take time out of your schedule to serve in your community or church. Serving will help you get your eyes off yourself, your situation, and your feelings and allow you to help someone in need.
- GET FRESH AIR- Whether cold or hot outside, make sure you go out and take a few much-needed breaths of fresh Air. Fresh Air is great for your mental health.
- QUIET TIME- Give yourself quality quiet time each day. Take 15-20 min each day to sit, focus on belly breathing, listen to music, meditate on scripture or read. Quiet your mind and be still in the quietness.
- PAY ATTENTION- If new or worsening symptoms last for more than two weeks or if you at any time experience suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm or violence toward others or yourself, please seek the help of a doctor or trained professional immediately.
- For more tips on how to manage stress and depression this holiday season, please visit the link below: https://cordiallycamille.com/?p=2314