Tips To Protect Your Mental Health Through The Holidays

Though you may be thankful and encouraged by the love of those who surround you, sometimes bright lights and decorative ornaments aren’t enough to stave off the challenges of the mind.

However, there are things you can do to help preserve your mental well-being during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Take a few moments to check out a few suggestions on protecting your mental health this year, and start looking forward to making some new memories with those you love most.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is critical for maintaining physical and mental health, no matter what time of year it is.  Countless research studies have shown the negative effects of sleep deprivation on the body, and you don’t need that added stress throughout the holiday season.

Make a concerted effort to protect your sleep patterns, and get yourself to bed at a decent time every night.  You should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and removing devices that emit blue light will help you fall asleep more naturally.

The blue lights of our electronics are a source of stress and stimulus that you don’t need when you’re trying to get a good night of sleep.

Limit your news exposure

When you already know you’re in a more stressful time of the year, you may do yourself some good by limiting the news you read to just one source.  Find a reputable online news source, and don’t let all the rage on the television bring you down.

Reading gives you the chance to opt out of the read if you find it is becoming a little stressful.  Stick to the web for all your news info, and let your television host the holiday cheer.

Maintain normalcy as much as possible

Try to keep your normal schedule as much as possible.  Of course, the holiday season will bring in new elements, but try to keep your sleeping, eating, and working schedule as regular as you can.

Switching up what you know best can be challenging for some people.  Not everyone handles change as well as the other, so understand your propensity to be flexible.

Budget your money wisely

The holidays typically mean a great outburst of spending.  However, being broke is a huge contributing factor to depression.  Work hard to stick to a holiday budget, so you don’t find yourself feeling empty when it’s all over.

Avoid overscheduling yourself

Be careful not to schedule your attendance for too many different holiday events.  Overscheduling yourself is a recipe for disaster in terms of your mental health.  Remind yourself that you don’t have to go to EVERY holiday get-together, and enjoy some downtime when you can.