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Keep sane this festive

Good day, my love bugs.

It is the festive season, and most people spend time with loved ones. Home is not also a place that many people look forward to, and if you have made the decision to spend this festive season by yourself, I am proud of you. Here are some useful tips for taking care of your mental health during the festive season

1. Set realistic expectations

Am I the only one who feels like the feeling of the festive season has changed over the years? Do not conform to the pressure to create a holiday spirit or to have as good a festive season as the previous years. If we are also keeping it a buck, the holiday spirit that everyone celebrates is mostly created by women in the family who labor for it. Try focusing on the moments that matter most. By setting realistic expectations you relieve yourself from stress and pressure

2. Practice self-care

Do not neglect your self-care routine during the holidays, considering that you have spent the majority of the year working on it. Continue to stay grounded, exercise, journal, sleep for a good amount of hours, and eat healthy. It is easy to get caught up in the chaos of the festive season, but be sure to prioritize your health.

3. Maintain your boundaries

This is particularly important if you are spending your holidays with family. We know elders can say things that are problematic or ask you to do things that you do not want to do. You are allowed to rest, not want to go to certain places, or not interact with specific family members. You also do not owe loved ones detailed explanations of some choices you have made or how you choose to live your life. Also, take family members' opinions with a grain of salt and manage how you internalize what they say. Do not tolerate any disrespect.

4. Prioritize sleep and rest.

It has been a long year and a lot has happened you need to rest. December in South Africa is known as a time when sleep takes a back burner to social events. You need to rest, not resting could prolong end-year fatigue, and exacerbate stress and health problems. Take this time to rest and do as little as possible so that you can be recharged once the new year comes in. Prioritize a proper sleep schedule and avoid overindulging in caffeine or alcohol

5. Make a gratitude list. 

Taking time to practice gratitude over the holidays allows you to sit with what has happened over the years and realize how far you have come this year. It is an underrated blessing to have been alive until the end of the year, to have not had any major health complications, or to not have buried any loved ones. Gratitude can be a positive coping tool during the holidays and can be a shift in perspective. This can cultivate a sense of contentment even in the difficult times during the holidays.

6. Manage financial stress

I love spending money like the next guy but make December better friends with January. Remember that January is a long month and there are going to be expenses in January. Setting a budget for the holidays can help relieve some of the financial stress during the festive season. Sometimes creating the most memorable experiences does not mean breaking the bank. Also, manage financial expectations from loved ones if you cannot spend money this holiday there should be an understanding.

7. Plan breaks from social media.

The broken song of this blog is taking social media breaks. Social media can amplify the stress that comes with the festive season. You may feel pressure to have perfect gatherings or to go out all the time during the festive season. Limit your screen time on social media during the holidays do not compare (easier said than done). Focus on your own experience and your perspective on what matters

8. Create your traditions

If there are certain holiday traditions that you find too stressful you do not have to partake in them or you can just set your own traditions. The beautiful thing about culture is that it is not set and cast in stone. If you would rather have catering than slaving on the stove because it is too stressful then do just that. The most important aspect of festive is for you to relax and enjoy yourself

9. It is okay to seek professional help.

Taking care of your mental health is not only something that you do during the year. If you feel overwhelmed due to holiday stress and anxiety, seek professional help. Therapy can help you set healthy coping mechanisms for the holidays. The festive season can bring about loneliness so seeking help can create a safe space for you. If you are dealing with a mental illness or disorder make sure to continue taking your medication and keep up with appointments.

I am glad that you have made it this far not only of this post but to this point of the year. I am not sure what kind of year you had but I am glad you are still alive. A big shout out to you for all of the silent battles that you faced this year. Let us also focus on the good that has happened this year and the many blessings that 2024 came with. Remember that a good year can have bad moments in it. Make sure to keep a balanced lifestyle this holiday season. All of these points are from a website called Lenmed.

Till next time cheers!



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