The holiday season is supposed to be joyful, but for many people it brings stress, loneliness, grief and exhaustion. Busy schedules, family expectations, money worries and memories of loved ones who are no longer here can all weigh on us at once. If this time of year feels heavy, you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you.
At MBS Restorative Centre, we believe the mind, body and spirit are connected. When one is strained, the others feel it too. Here are simple ways to care for all three this season.
Care for your mind
- Lower the bar. The holidays do not have to be perfect. Choose the two or three traditions that matter most and let the rest go.
- Name what you feel. Saying “I feel overwhelmed” or “I miss my mom” out loud, or writing it down, can take some of its power away.
- Set gentle boundaries. It is okay to leave early, skip an event or change the subject when a conversation becomes hurtful.
Care for your body
- Protect your sleep. Late nights add up quickly and make stress and low mood harder to manage.
- Move a little every day. A ten-minute walk outside can calm your nervous system and lift your mood.
- Notice alcohol and sugar. Both can feel comforting in the moment and leave you more anxious or tired later.
Care for your spirit
- Make room for meaning. Prayer, quiet reflection, music, nature or time with people who love you can restore what the season drains.
- Honor the people you miss. Light a candle, share a favorite story or cook their recipe. Grief and gratitude can sit at the same table.
- Give in small ways. A kind message or a small act of service can bring a sense of connection and purpose.
When to reach out for support
If sadness, worry, grief or stress is making it hard to sleep, work, enjoy the people around you or get through the day, it may be time to talk to someone. The number one coping skill is asking for help.
Our licensed clinicians offer insurance-based telehealth therapy for children, teens, adults, couples and groups in North Carolina, Texas and Connecticut. Call (919) 633-1218 or contact us to get started.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call or text 988 or call 911 right away.