Mental Health: Simple ways to take care of your mental health during the holiday season

The holidays bring tides of excitement, enjoyment, and overspending. This can be a dangerous time for one’s mental health if some things are ignored. You know the famous TikTok statement that says “the pressure is getting worser(wassa)” that is the definition of the December holiday.

December gives you the notion that everyone is having more fun than you. People on vacation while you are in your house eating cold food with no plans to go out. That may be your idea of a good time but sometimes the pressure to be outside can get to you.

Here are some ways to keep your mental health stable this season.

The first thing is to always keep in mind that it is not all real. Social media is a platform that is filled with lies and half-truths. No one posts their bad days, it is always the good days. They will post the day they eat steak for dinner and not when they ate white rice with salt and water or slept hungry. Someone will post a vacation they took three years ago while they are upcountry being a good shepherd to their father’s goats.

Most times it’s never as it seems so do not feel too much pressure when you see some posts on social media. You will see young unemployed people living their best lives yet they have no source of income. Some are from rich families so they can afford that but some are just doing some questionable things in the name of soft life.

Also do not pay too much attention to that one friend who always seems to have their lives together. Visit some of these friends that set very high standards out here and you will appreciate your life.

Appreciating where you are in life is another way to keep yourself sane. Trust me I know that doing this is not easy at all. Having a journal or diary where you write what you are grateful for once in a while helps you keep track of your progress. The year is coming to an end and maybe you have not achieved all the things you had planned for this year. Instead of feeling like a failure, look at your progress. You most likely are not where you were last year, even though the growth is small it’s still there.

In the spirit of appreciation, learn to be contented with what you have as you work to get to where you want to be. There is a verse in the Bible where Paul says that he knows what it is to have and what it is to lack and in both situations he has learned to be contented where he is. This advocate for learning to enjoy every season, either in plenty or in little.

Living within your means is one thing that will prevent unnecessary headaches. One of the things that cause mental health breakdown is money. Being in debt and not knowing how to pay them. When you live outside your means, you are digging a rabbit hole that has no opening. Enjoy things that will not break your bank, and go out when you can afford to.

Surround yourself with friends who understand you. There are friends who will get you into debt as you try to keep up with them. If you have friends that cannot understand that you do not always have money to go out or that you cannot afford that impromptu vacation or new shoes, cut them off.

Learn how to establish boundaries with your friends. Learn to say no when what they are offering is not good for you. The holidays are about one celebration after the other, people finding excuses to have parties and drink. When you get to your limit and your friends still want to go on, say no and block them if need be, and go to your safe space. It is good to create a safe space for yourself, it can be a place or a person.

Your mental health is more important than family gatherings

December holiday is also family time, especially on Jesus’ birthday when almost everyone is traveling to the countryside to visit relatives. Or going to some destination for good family time. Family is good, but some family members can be toxic. If you know that every time you go to these gatherings you leave feeling like a failure do not go.

There are so many memes on social media about how the person with no money never gets to speak in family gatherings or are given the hardest jobs to do during the preparations. These things happen, paired with the aunties that are always criticizing your career choice, body size, or lack of a husband.

Avoiding such kinds of gatherings would be wise. Some things said in these gatherings may be put across as jokes but they do so much damage to our mental health. Celebrate Christmas with a family that appreciates you and gives you good criticism. Family is not just blood-related.

December holidays are about sharing and love. Do not bear all your burdens alone, share with a therapist if you are not comfortable finding a friend that you can share with. You can also choose to go celebrate Christmas with those that do not have. Share laughter, food, love, and some tears as you reminisce on the year 2022.

Lastly, love yourself a little hard, and forgive yourself as easily as you forgive your boyfriend or girlfriend. If it does not go well this season there will be another season you just have to be a little patient.