Embracing Mental Wellness in the Spirit of Christmas
As the leftovers from Thanksgiving are gradually disappearing from our refrigerators, and the last traces of autumn foliage give way to twinkling holiday lights, we find ourselves at the doorstep of another cherished season—Christmas. While this time of year is often associated with joy, generosity, and celebration, it can also bring its fair share of stress and emotional challenges. In today's column, we'll explore the importance of prioritizing mental wellness in the lead-up to Christmas and share some strategies to help you navigate this festive season with greater peace of mind.
Embrace the Spirit of Giving:
One of the most beautiful aspects of Christmas is the spirit of giving. Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity not only brings joy to others but can also boost your own sense of well-being. Consider volunteering your time or resources to help those in need in your community.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Just as we discussed during Thanksgiving, setting realistic expectations for the Christmas season is crucial. It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection, but remember that the essence of the holiday lies in connection, not in creating a flawless event.
Plan and Prioritize:
The weeks leading up to Christmas can be a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and planning. To manage the chaos, make a to-do list and prioritize tasks. Breaking things down into manageable steps can help reduce stress and make the season more enjoyable.
Create Meaningful Traditions:
Establishing meaningful traditions with family and friends can add depth and joy to your holiday experience. These traditions don't have to be extravagant; they can be as simple as baking cookies together or watching a favorite holiday movie.
Practice Mindfulness:
The holiday rush can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to stay present and grounded. Deep breathing exercises and short meditation sessions can help you manage stress.
Reach Out for Support:
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. Talking about your feelings and seeking guidance can be a source of strength during challenging times.
Budget Wisely:
Financial stress is a common concern during the Christmas season. Set a budget for your holiday spending and stick to it. Remember that thoughtful, heartfelt gifts often mean more than extravagant ones.
Take Care of Your Physical Health:
Your physical wellbeing is closely connected to your mental health. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and staying active to maintain your overall wellness.
Enjoy Quality Time:
Amid the hustle and bustle, make an effort to spend quality time with loved ones. Put away the screens, engage in meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories together.
Embrace Imperfection:
Lastly, remember that imperfection is part of the beauty of the holiday season. Embrace the quirks, mishaps, and unexpected moments that make your Christmas unique and memorable.
As we count down the days to Christmas, let's not forget the importance of nurturing our mental health. By focusing on the true spirit of the season, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate the holiday season with a greater sense of peace and joy. Christmas is not about achieving perfection; it's about celebrating love, connection, and the spirit of giving. May your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and the priceless gift of good mental health What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.