Prioritizing self-care and setting achievable goals can help maintain mental health after the holiday season.
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Whether winter brought connection and celebration or the perfect storm for anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, individuals who make resolutions ahead of the holiday season may making mental health a priority in the new year.
Michelle Bettinsenior director of mental health counseling and care has Texas A&M University Health Servicessaid this time of year can be particularly difficult. Seasonal reductions in natural sunlight, as well as changes in diet, exercise and routine, can contribute to worsening environmental factors. And while the holidays tend to bring people together, some people may experience dysfunction issues. family dynamics or a lack of family connection quite. Others may feel stressed or sad about saying goodbye to loved ones when the vacation ends.
It’s easy to fall into a deficit mentality when comparing celebrations to social media posts, Bettin said. “It can also show how our family or relationships are not like the families and holidays we see on TV and in movies,” she said.
Bettin recommended extend grace to oneself and others. She advised against adhering to arbitrary standards or unrealistic expectations, and she cautioned against comparing yourself to the experiences of others, which can open the door to self-doubt and disappointment, a- she declared.
Instead of measuring success through benchmarks, Bettin recommended approaching resolutions by setting small, achievable goals for the new year. Prioritizing mental health through “SMART goals”, provides a framework for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound aspirations. The SMART goals method replaces lofty goals, like “cure my anxiety” or “be happy every day,” for more realistic steps tailored to specific lifestyles. Bettin said reasonable goals might include “going to therapy once a month” or “setting aside 15 minutes for a walk or meditation.”
In addition to respecting individual priorities, resolutions should create opportunities or set aside time for self-care. Even in the absence of pre-existing mental health conditions, self-care plays a crucial role in managing the stresses of daily life and can be different for everyone.
For those who are struggling, a wide range of national and local resources offer support: University Health Services maintains a list of local and national hotline numbersAnd 211Texas lists resources and information on topics such as housing, employment, nutrition and mental health. Contact 211 Texas online or by calling 211 to access a variety of services, including urgent and non-emergency mental health care.
While balancing different facets of life and maintaining mental health seems overwhelming, if not impossible, Bettin emphasized the importance of striving to have a positive attitude and seeking help when needed. “We can plan all we want, but life happens while we plan,” she said. “Being willing to accept that sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned – and realizing, even in those moments, what to be grateful for and what truly brings you joy can make all the difference.