The holiday season has arrived, and despite it being a time many people cherish spending with family and friends, it’s not the case for everyone. For those who feel emotionally distant or isolated from others during this time, the holidays can be an especially lonely and vulnerable time. After a long year, many can often feel burnt out, detached and lacking the motivation to bring on the new year.
Loneliness is a common feeling; however, everyone experiences it differently. While some experience the physical manifestation of being alone, many can feel lonely in a crowded room.
Connection is key to our mental health and well-being, so if you're feeling disconnected and in need of a reset, we’re going to share 6 tips that you can use to help you take care of your mental well-being this holiday season.
- Develop a bit of a routine
Sharp changes in your schedule can be jarring for many people. Especially if you're currently seeking regular mental health support, are neurodivergent or have just been pushing through a year of intense study with a strong regiment.
You don’t need a super strict schedule, but a rough outline of what you'd like to do with some planned self-care intertwined can make a huge difference to your mental wellbeing. - Plan a bucket list for your holiday period
Think about what experiences you would like to have, places you'd like to see, and books you want to read. The holidays are the perfect time to do everything you haven’t had time for throughout the year.
Making a list to work through can also help make sure you don't get to the end of you're break and didn't do the things you wanted to do. And remember, if being a couch potato for a few days is what you need to decompress from a big year, then that counts as self-care too. - Allocate time to be in nature or the outdoors
Moving your body is a great way to gain clarity and refocus your mind, and doing it outdoors can add an additional element that allows you to connect to your surroundings and practice some mindfulness.
Always remember to wear sunscreen and to bring a hat and sunglasses. While being outdoors is great for your well-being, sun safety in the Australian summer is vital to your physical health. - Consider ways that you'd like to spread kindness/cheer
Giving back can be a great boost for your mental health and wellbeing and a great way to connect with your community. Whether it's helping your friend move, donating some clothes or volunteering at a pet shelter or food bank. There are plenty of ways you can find connections and make a difference this holiday season. - Practice mindfulness & gratitude
When we live busy lives taking the time to express gratitude and being mindful of our environment can be a challenge. Try making some time to journal or guided meditation/mindfulness sessions to help you in your practice.
Try these mindful journal prompts.
"What is around you right now that makes you smile?"
"Where do you get to feel a sense of ease, safety and quiet."
"How can you replenish yourself this week?" - Manage your expectations
It's hard to start people-ing again after 2 years of disruption. Some people can get over-excited and load up their schedule or find the pressures of socialising too much. Feeling overwhelmed and anxious is to be expected, so being kind to yourself and accepting that is important.
If you find yourself with a schedule so full there's no room for downtime, or you're feeling overwhelmed at the thought of going to another social function, it may be time to re-evaluate your expectations of yourself and set some boundaries with your friends and family, or with yourself.
Need to talk to someone? There is free, confidential help available – people you can talk to any time of the day or night:
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