Our mental health suffers with the arrival of Christmas. On the one hand, we have to deal with relatives and acquaintances that we do not like at all, and even make harmful comments to us. The Christmas mood, on the other hand, requires us to be happy and suppress some unpleasant feelings, such as sadness over the recent loss of a loved one, uncertainty about the future, or anger at relatives who hurt you. All frowned and it’s time for a fake smile.
Given all these difficulties, It’s not surprising that psychological therapy consultations increase in December and January..
People are overwhelmed, fed up and frustrated, and as a psychologist I see this every day. That’s why I bring you seven ideas to protect your mental health on these dates.
1. Start setting boundaries with your family and friends
Create your own limit list and rank them from easiest to hardest.. Next, go to make them and draw on them.
2. Do a digital cleanup on social networks
Most of the time we start following people and some of these profiles don’t do us any good on a psychological level. For example, that influencer you always compare yourself to, that nutritionist who makes you feel guilty about what you eat, that personal trainer that makes you hate your body, etc.
Open your Instagram and enter your “following” list. If a profile is worsening your mental health, mute or unfollow.
3. Dedicate 30 Minutes of the Day to Personal Care
personal care Any behavior that gives you peace, security, or pleasure. For example, reading, writing, going for a walk, listening to music, watching a TV show you really like, cooking a slightly more complicated meal than you normally would, meeting a friend, playing a board game, etc.
4. Get to Know You Without Judgment
Most people a self-knowledge very poor. In other words, we don’t know what we want or who we are because we are used to pleasing others.
This Christmas, take time to get to know yourself. Ask yourself what you want to do in your life, what your values are, what constitutes your personality, and why you are the way you are. These questions seem simple, but in reality they are complex because facing many insecurities and doubts. It’s worth the answer, believe me.
5. Give yourself solo experiences (and time)
Humans are social beings and therefore we need to relate to our friends, family or partner, but it is also advisable to learn to enjoy solitude. There are some plans that we are afraid to do but that increase our self-confidence.
stop thinking about everything Plans you gave up because you had no one to go to. For example, movies at the cinema, concerts, restaurants, holidays… Well, indulge yourself with these experiences from time to time.
6. Identify habits that hurt you
The first step in improving your mental health is identifying all the harmful little habits we’ve automated. For example, working extra without anyone asking or thanking you. Or counting calories that feels super guilty when you overdo it on time. Or meeting an old friend who is constantly judging you and hurting your self-esteem. Slowly Change these habits with behaviors that give you peace of mind. (although it does cost to implement them in the first place).
7. Begin psychological therapy
If you’ve been thinking about going to a psychologist for a long time, don’t delay.. Search Google or go to Instagram, find profiles you trust and write to them.
If you are not ready or do not have time, you do not need to start therapy now, but you can meet these dates in a different way by making an appointment after Christmas.
#ideas #care #mental #health #Christmas