5 Things That Affect Mental Wellness Through the Holidays

As we kick off the busy holiday season with Thanksgiving this week, we are reminded how many feelings can encroach on the next few weeks. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that up to 69 percent of people are stressed by the feeling of “lack of time,” 69 percent are stressed by perceiving a “lack of money,” and 51 percent are stressed out about the “pressure to give and get gifts.”

As you can see, the level of stress on people is incredible, and high-stress levels can cause so many more issues than what is apparent at first. At Absolute Wellness Center, we want to teach you how to manage your stress, create a healthy atmosphere where you can relax, and hopefully help you have a truly “Happy Holiday.” Here are a few ways you can give yourself a break during the holiday season.


Budget

The holiday season is filled with expenses, some planned and many are unexpected (like that gift for your Aunt and Uncle … ). Whether you’re buying presents, filling your fridge with food, or traveling, it’s not hard to fill your plate with a lot of expenses. Take some time right now to plan out your holiday budget before things start getting crazy. Only spend cash or debit to keep from carrying the stress of debt into the new year.

Secret Holiday Tip: Host a Secret Santa! It can be a fun way to celebrate the holidays and only have to buy one gift for friends or family!

Family

It’s no surprise that family can be a huge reason for stress. Not everyone in a family gets along, and in many cases, family conflicts arise. From guilt trips to boundary-pushing, you may feel obligated to do things you don’t want to do during the holidays. Realistically look at your holiday season and be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot do. Set boundaries with your family and communicate them.

Secret Holiday Tip: Stay for one night at your family house, not a whole weekend. If you have a lot of family to see, choose one family per holiday instead of trying to pack everyone into one holiday.

Overindulging

As it gets cold outside, our activity levels tend to slow down, and with holidays, you may find that you have way too many opportunities to enjoy rich foods and alcohol. Overindulging can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, and no one needs more of that around the holidays. When you plan your holiday schedule, provide yourself some time to be active. This can involve a Christmas 5K, Yuletide Yoga, or Reindeer Games.

Secret Holiday Tip: Be patient with yourself and realize that your goal isn’t to eliminate the food you love, but to limit the amounts you eat as well as boost your activity level. If you like to cook and bake, look for alternatives to your favorite desserts that use healthier ingredients.

Loss & Loneliness

For some, the holidays may not be filled with packed schedules and frustrating family. It may just be another reminder of the isolation you are experiencing or the loss of a loved one. This can be a really hard mental place to be in, but one thing you can do to help is pick up a winter hobby or join a group to help with the feelings of loneliness. If you’ve lost a loved one, it can help to acknowledge that the holiday season is not going to be the same. Take time this year to create new and memorable traditions that will help keep the memory of loved ones alive and even help you make some new friends. Volunteer with some local non-profits or find ways to surround yourself with people who will understand what you’re going through.

Secret Holiday Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for free holiday activities happening around the community. Also don’t be afraid to find someone you can talk to about what you're going through and ask for them to check up on you occasionally!

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in the seasons. The symptoms can include tiredness, depression, mood changes, irritability, trouble concentrating, body aches, insomnia, decreased interest in activities, and overeating. If you feel like you may be experiencing this, please come speak with us. we can help you explore natural alternatives at the Lake of the Ozarks to help.

Secret Holiday Tip: Take a few moments each day to get outside, feel the sunshine on your face, and breath the fresh air. Sunshine can do wonders for SAD.

Wellness at the Lake of the Ozarks

Absolute Wellness Center knows that the holiday season can be filled with many different feelings for many different people. Our goal is to help you enjoy the next few weeks in whatever way works for you. Regular chiropractic adjustments at the Lake of the Ozarks is one way to practice self-care during the holidays. Don’t forget that getting a massage at the Lake of the Ozarks is also another way to help invest in your mental and physical health through the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Absolute Wellness Center, we look forward to aiding you on your wellness journey.




Absolute Wellness Center Inc
4203 E US Hwy 54
Linn Creek, MO 65052
573-346-3777

Location: Linn Creek, MO 65052, USA

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