The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress. With the hustle and bustle of shopping, planning, and entertaining, it’s easy to forget about your mental health. But regardless of the season, it’s important to take time for yourself—to relax, recharge, and look after your mental well-being. Whether you’re looking for ways to de-stress or just some time to yourself, these simple tips will help you stay calm and balanced during a hectic time of year.
Make time for yourself
Taking time for yourself as a way of looking after your mental health can be helpful any time of year, but it’s especially important during times of stress. Humans are social beings and our relationships are wonderful, but being around others can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This doesn’t mean you should avoid being with others, but it does mean that you need to take time to recharge and restore your energy so that you can be your best self. So, this holiday, take time for yourself.
Make sure you get enough vitamin D
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that can affect your mood and contribute to your mental health. Research has linked low levels of vitamin D with an increased risk of depression. So, as you look after your mental health during the holiday season, make sure you get enough vitamin D. To make sure you’re getting enough, you can take a daily vitamin D supplement or eat foods like salmon, eggs, and cheese that are rich in vitamin D. DocHQ’s new supplement, Evening Calmer, contains vitamin D3 which research shows can help improve sleep disorders and sleep quality. Take control over your happiness and health this winter with our supplement range, it has your health needs covered around the clock.
Connect with friends and family
Research shows that we get health benefits from our social connections as much, if not more than, from exercise. So, as you look after your mental health this holiday season, let connections with loved ones be a priority. If you have friends or family in town, take them out for a meal or invite them over for drinks. If you don’t have visitors, consider reaching out to old friends or family members.
Take a break from technology
As with any other kind of stress in your life, taking a break from technology is one way to look after your mental health this holiday season. You may want to avoid social media or other online engagement, or you may just want a day or two away from your phone. Whatever your level of engagement, taking a break from the technologies that can cause stress is helpful. Explore ways you can take a break from technology and make time for yourself. Try starting a holiday tradition with friends or family—play a board game together, go for a walk, or make art together.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be stressful. When you’re feeling stressed, you’re less likely to take care of yourself and more likely to experience health issues. If you want to stay healthy during the holiday season, you should try to find time for yourself, connect with loved ones, take a break from technology, and make sure you get enough vitamin D.
