Tips for Self-Care
Keep things simple: Scale down your schedule during the holiday season. Aim to keep things small and simple so you don't get too lost in the holiday hoopla. Consistency is important in your treatment plan when you live with mental illness. When we do too much, we risk failing to meet our daily treatment goals.
Combat loneliness: If you're alone or have chosen to avoid holiday celebrations, make sure you surround yourself with meaningful activities. Just because you've chosen not to spend time with others, it doesn't mean you can't find enjoyment during the holidays. Volunteering, reaching out to trusted friends, cozying up with a book, watching uplifting movies or taking up a new hobby can help.
🌟 Set limits: Make sure you let others know what your needs are - be it quiet time, a gift budget, what you can and can't do during this season. Share with trusted others what issues trigger you and how they may help you navigate these situations.
🌟 Delegate: Ask others to help with holiday issues. Delegate gift shopping, food prep or who has to pick up Aunt Sally. Say, "No," when you can - and "I have to think about that" if you can't draw a line in the sand at that moment.
🌟 Self-care: Remember to put your mental and physical well-being first. Make sure you follow your treatment plan, take your medications, eat and sleep well, exercise and destress whenever possible. Pamper yourself. Feed your senses. Indulge in moments that focus on wellbeing.
🌟 Plan a recovery day into your schedule: After a day or night of holiday festivities, try to schedule a recovery day. Having a day to rest, refuel and reboot can help avoid setbacks or relapses.
Look forward: Instead of dwelling on the holiday season’s end, or how un-wonderful it was, choose to look forward to the coming year. Build in realistic goals and mark moments in your calendar to celebrate on your terms.