The holiday season can bring great joy, but also great stress. It is important to recognize that not everyone’s experiences during the holiday season are the same. There are undoubtedly disproportionally many people who suffer during this time of year over people who do have that perfect “Hallmark Holiday” experience. Here are five tips from our Flawless family on how to manage the holidays for yourself, and how to help others during this time that can be challenging.
- Donate time or essentials
During the holiday season, we want to be sure we are giving and not just receiving. A great way to help others without spending money is to volunteer. There are many places looking for volunteers, especially during the holidays. A great way to find organizations near you is to utilize the internet and search for places accepting volunteers near you. Another way to help during the holiday season is to donate common essentials such as warm clothing, canned items, and toiletries. These essentials are often most needed during this time of year.
- Focus not on what you are feeling, but on why you feel that way
If you are experiencing negative emotions, really try to figure out what the root of that emotion is. Ask yourself reflective questions like: When did I start feeling this way?
Why do I feel this way? What led to these thoughts? Really listen to yourself. Focus on what you can control and start there.
- Connect with others
Be sure this holiday season to take time to connect with others. Whether you help a family member, friend, or stranger, helping someone around you is extremely important – for them and for you. We never really know what is going on in someone’s head so we should always treat those around us with kindness and try to help. This can be something as simple as helping a friend with a homework assignment or helping your mom by watching your younger siblings.
- Practice self-care
Practicing self-care may be something as simple to you as taking a walk, baking a cake, or putting on a face mask. It can look different for everyone. Self-care can even be taking a nap for some people. It is important to prioritize self-care and try a few activities to see what works best for you.
- Practice gratitude
One great way to practice gratitude in everyday life is to write in a journal. Writing for ten minutes every day and jotting down a few things you are thankful for can greatly improve your mental health. During the holiday season, it gets easier to focus on what we want rather than what we have. You can go a step further in practicing gratitude and pair actions with your words by saying thank you and helping others feel your appreciation for them.
