Balancing Holiday Preparations and Mental Wellness
With Christmas just around the corner, the holiday excitement continues to build. While this time of year is filled with festivities and anticipation, it can also be a hectic and stressful period. To ensure that you enjoy the journey to Christmas and maintain your mental well-being, here are some strategies for the second week of December: Organize and Prioritize: Take stock of your remaining holiday tasks and prioritize them. Create a to-do list, noting the most important tasks first. This approach can help you stay focused and reduce stress by breaking down your preparations into manageable steps.
Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for your holiday preparations. This will help you balance your commitments and prevent feeling overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once.
Mindful Spending: Be mindful of your budget as you shop for gifts and plan holiday expenses. Overspending can lead to financial stress, so set limits and stick to them.
Maintain Healthy Habits: Amid the holiday hustle, don't abandon your healthy habits. Continue to eat well, exercise, and get sufficient rest. Your physical health has a direct impact on your mental well-being.
Share Responsibilities: If you're hosting Christmas festivities, don't hesitate to ask family members or friends for help with preparations. Sharing responsibilities can ease the burden and create a more collaborative, enjoyable experience.
Plan for Downtime: In the midst of holiday preparations, it's crucial to schedule breaks and downtime. Use these moments to relax, engage in activities you enjoy, and recharge.
Practice Gratitude: Continue practicing gratitude daily. Recognize the small joys and moments of happiness in your life. This practice can help maintain a positive perspective.
Reach Out Socially: Maintain social connections with friends and family, whether through virtual gatherings or safe in-person visits. These connections are essential for your emotional wellbeing, especially during the holiday season.
Embrace Holiday Traditions: Engage in meaningful holiday traditions that bring you joy. Whether it's decorating the tree, baking cookies, or attending a special event, these rituals can foster a sense of connection and nostalgia.
Reflect on the True Meaning: Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas for you. What values and traditions are most important to you and your loved ones? Focusing on these aspects can help ground you in the holiday spirit.
As we approach Christmas, remember that taking care of your mental health is as important as any holiday preparation. By staying organized, practicing mindfulness, and embracing the joys of the season, you can create a positive and meaningful lead-up to Christmas. May this holiday season be filled with warmth, love, and the preservation of your mental wellness.
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.