6. Know your accomplishments and be proud of them | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyles

Don't Let Going Home For The Holidays Effect Your Mental Health With These 7 Steps

So, you didn't get the job promotion or engagement ring your whole family is going to ask about. But you got these seven tips to help you make your way to the new years.

135
Don't Let Going Home For The Holidays Effect Your Mental Health With These 7 Steps
Georgina Fernandez

In This Article:

Your free time is precious. Whether you are a university student who have just finished ten weeks of living on Roman Noodles and intense stress or coming home for a quick week off from your job, those precious moments of freedom is your time, not your families. Use your holiday break to rejoice, take a breather and care for yourself. It is easy to forget about your mental health and that fact that you are a human and have needs as you rush from one task to another. However, it is vital for you to take this time that you have off and take care of yourself. And, if going home to your family does not provide that feeling of security, then don't go home. You are not a bad person for opposing the invitation to go home for a holiday, you know what is best for your health and you should act on that fact, and not what will make someone else happy.

Going home for the holiday season can bring a lot of stress in our lives. This stress can generate from travel plans to seeing unwanted family members or the feeling of failure due to recent life events. If you choose to face your demons and go home for the holidays, remember that your health is always number one priority. You don't need to make other people happy. It is a team you, before team auntie, uncle and an annoying cousin that won't stop bragging about how cute their dog is. Remember your family holiday situation may be, take three breaths and follow our tips to making it through the holiday season alive into the new year.

1. Allow yourself to step away from the situation

girl walking dog

upload.wikimedia.org

You are not obligated to stay there. You can walk away at any moment. If things started getting heated with one of your parents feel free to walk away and take your dog for a walk or take a stroll around town. Getting that fresh air will allow you to have more time to think to yourself and take that breather when things become too intense. You deserve the right to stop and take care of yourself at any given time.

2. Meeting up with old friends

friends talking over coffee

c1.staticflickr.com

You know who is also feeling the pressure of their family during this time of year? Your old high school friends. If you are still in contact and in good standings with them, shoot them a message and meet up with them for some coffee. Not only does it take you away from the toxic environment, but it allows you the chance to express your feelings to someone who is an outside party.

3. It is okay to say "No"

no puzzels

upload.wikimedia.org

We all want to be good people and help each other out. And when someone is hosting you over, you may feel obligated to help out. However, when those tasks start piling up, it is okay to just say, "Sorry, I can't do that." Help out with what you can, but understand that you have limits too as a person. And if you are hosting a large group of people, ask for help and know what your limits are as a host. You have the right to enjoy your vacation to and not just be Santa Clause to everyone.

4. Don't let yesterday haunt you, live in the moment

Giphy

It is easy to hold grudges against people. You don't need to forget if someone has hurt you, however, don't let the pain of yesterday influence the happiness you experience today. If you need to, talk to the other person about your demons in the past to help get closure. You don't want to be sitting in an awkward situation all holiday season when you could have cleared it up in the beginning.

5. Follow a routine 

Giphy

Keep a regular routine while you are on vacation. This will help you keep your stress at a manageable level because you are doing something that is familiar. If you exercise every morning, make sure to keep doing this. Chances are when you do this at home it puts you in your "happy" spot. Continue to do so while on the break will help you go back to that "happy" spot no matter where you are.

6. Know your accomplishments and be proud of them

emma watson receiving an awardGiphy

We aren't all going to succeed at the same moment. But hey, no matter where you are in your life right now you are killing it. Next time some ask you about the job promotion you didn't get think of the things you decide achieve that year, but everything you gained.

7. When all else fails just drink...

drinking coffee

c1.staticflickr.com

That is tea I mean. What else did you think I was referring too? Take a moment to yourself a relax. Sip and on some tea and just distance yourself at the moment. Drinking tea can help lower your stress and anxiety.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774450
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

731
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

568
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments