Navigating the Holiday Season: Protecting Your Mental Well-being

The holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, they can also bring about stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. Between family obligations, financial strain, and the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday, it’s easy to lose sight of self-care and mental well-being.

Understanding Holiday Triggers

“Many people experience an increase in mental health challenges during the holiday season," says Dr. Sarah Thompson, a licensed therapist. "This is due to a variety of factors, including shortened days, disrupted routines, and increased social demands.”

It’s important to reflect on past experiences and identify specific triggers that might surface during the holidays. Perhaps it’s navigating complex family dynamics, dealing with financial pressures or coping with loss or grief. Recognizing these triggers early on allows for proactive planning and healthier coping strategies.

3 Ways to Approach the Holidays with More Peace of Mind

While the holiday season can present challenges, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your mental health and make it a more enjoyable experience:

Aya Kanai, a workplace wellness expert and life coach, offers these strategies:

Prioritize Self-Care:

Remember to carve out time for activities that nourish your mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s a calming evening routine, regular exercise, or connecting with nature, prioritize activities that bring you joy and reduce stress.

Set Realistic Expectations:

Be kind to yourself and ditch the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday. Recognize that things won’t always go as planned. Focus on what truly matters and delegate tasks where possible. It’s okay to say "no” to protect your time and energy.

Learn More about the benefits of mindful living.

Connect Authentically:

Deepen connections by prioritizing quality time with loved ones. Engage in meaningful conversations and create shared experiences. Remember that true connection involves being present and actively listening:

Accessible Mental Health Resources for New Yorkers

"If you’re struggling with your mental health this holiday season, please know that you’re not alone and help is available," says ABC Regional Director of Communications Rachel Miller.

New York City residents have access to valuable resources designed to support mental well-being:

Lily Gates highlights, resources from NYC Well:

• NYC Well: This online platform provides 24/7 confidential support and resources, including a text line and access to mental health professionals.

• NYC Free Confidential Mental Health Support Hotline: Call 888-NYC-WELL for immediate assistance.

"Don’t hesitate to reach out," emphasizes Miller. "Your mental health matters, especially during the holiday season."

* How can individuals identify and manage personal triggers during the holiday season?

## Navigating the​ Holidays: Protecting⁤ Your Mental ​Well-being

**Intro Music**

**Host:** Welcome back to “Wellbeing ‍Wednesday”. This week, we’re talking‍ about navigating the holiday season, a time often portrayed​ as joyful, ⁣but‍ can be stressful for many. Joining us is​ Dr. Sarah Thompson, licensed therapist and Aya Kanai, a workplace wellness expert and life coach. Welcome both of you.

**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me.

**Aya:** ⁢It’s great to be here.

**Host:** Dr. Thompson, you⁣ mentioned that ‌the⁤ holidays⁣ can be a particularly challenging time for mental health. Can you elaborate on⁣ why?

**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. Many factors contribute to this. Shorter days ⁢can affect our mood and ⁤sleep​ patterns. Holiday⁢ routines disrupt our usual schedules, and the pressure ⁣to create​ the “perfect” holiday can lead to anxiety. It’s important to remember that holidays can be ​emotionally‍ complex, and past⁤ experiences can resurface.

**Host:** That’s insightful. Aya, what advice would you give to our listeners to manage ⁢this pressure and stress?

**Aya:** Prioritizing self-care is crucial. It’s easy to get swept away in the festivities and neglect our⁣ own needs. Carve out time for activities⁢ that recharge‍ you, whether it’s⁢ meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea.

**Host:** Excellent advice. Any other strategies you recommend?

**Aya:** Absolutely. ​Setting⁢ boundaries is key. It’s okay to say no to invitations or requests that feel ‌overwhelming. Communicate​ your needs to family and friends ⁤openly and honestly. Remember, you⁤ have the right to prioritize your mental well-being.

**Dr. Thompson:** ⁢I agree. It’s also important to be mindful of your triggers. Reflect on past holidays and identify specific situations or patterns that tend to trigger negative emotions. Once you’re aware of these triggers, you can develop coping mechanisms in advance.

**Host:**⁣ Fantastic advice. It seems like preparation and self-awareness are key to navigating the ⁣holidays with more peace of‍ mind.

**Aya:** Exactly! ‌Remember, it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. Don’t hesitate​ to reach out to a ‌mental health professional or trusted loved ones for support.

**Dr. ‍Thompson:** And remember, it’s okay to ⁣not be okay.

**Host:** Thank you both for these insightful‌ tips. Remember, ​listeners, ⁣prioritize your mental well-being this holiday season. Take care.

**Outro Music**