The holiday season is full of joy – but it can be packed with stress as well. The American Psychological Association reports that 41% of people say they experience increased stress levels during the holiday season.
A Brazos Valley mental health professional emphasized how important setting boundaries is, as well as other ways to stay mentally healthy over the holidays during an interview with Caleb Britt of KBTX.
Licensed professional counselor Belinda Valenzuela with Insight Mental Health explains that these feelings may come from needing to meet various expectations, along with grief, trauma, and work deadlines. How can you combat the pressure that comes with the holiday season?
Valenzuela suggests acknowledging your feelings, accepting them, and seeking counseling. She also says creating healthy habits as part of everyday life, like working out, or journaling will help. Another important tip is setting boundaries – saying no to unwanted activities over the holidays and beyond.
“The more you do it and the more you work through the feelings of guilt that might accompany saying ‘no,’ the easier it gets to say ‘no’ and set that boundary,” said Valenzuela.
One last piece of advice: she recommends finding a community and don’t stay isolated. Seek a supportive circle within your family, friends, church support groups, social clubs or even social media. “Acknowledge that you might need to connect with somebody and allow yourself to connect with somebody and not feel bad about it,” Valenzuela emphasized.
Other resources she recommends: calling 211 to find community support and 988 for the suicide and crisis helpline.
