Are you like the many I polled about how they are feeling over the holiday, simply over it? I have a Instagram mental health check in. It’s where I share things that I don’t always share on stories, or other platforms. Where you can answer or participate as much or as little as you need. Either way join me there. In addition, let’s talk about how we can navigate feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Courtesy of Pexel Pictures
Over it and Over Stimulation
Being overstimulated is something that I have recently in the last few years have learned about. When I am overstimulated I get agitated. The agitation makes me look anti-social. However I have learned that my social cup is too low to engage with others. So what do you do when to others you look disassociated but inside you need a reboot away from others? Simply allow the others to say and do what they want. I spent a lifetime hoping people would see me in a certain light. The fact of the matter is I am not always super joyful and engaging.
From the life I have and simply not always liking to be around people, a reboot away from the very people pulling on me to be performative is exactly what I need. This last week I spent sick has been amazing. I was able to replenish myself, and recharge my social battery.
No Shame in your Game
You have to be unapologetic in your mental health. Be honest. The ones who told me that they were over it may feel like if they said that out loud that it would mean that they were Scrooge. The truth of the matter is that no they aren’t that. They may simply want this holiday season and the balls of emotion to be over. Some people may just want a reprieve. Or they are tired of hearing about being jolly when their world isn’t jolly. Or and here is a thing, the holidays aren’t their favorite. Everyone is different and their experiences in life could also be different too.
Moving with Intentions
So this holiday season move with intention. What this means have and map out a plan. For instance my girlfriends and I don’t spend money on gifts for each other. Instead we are just getting together for dinner. During dinner we plan to highlight our wins and thank the lord we made it through the lows. No holiday inspiration needed. It’s a way to catch up outside of what we do together with social media.
Courtesy of Pexel Pictures
Other plans with moving with intentions is for me as a parent was to set a full budget on spending. This includes decor, holiday parties and more. If you’re over the holidays making sure you don’t allow the commercialism of the holidays to run you. Limit the holiday potlucks you go to. Everytime you leave the house is a cost. Cut your costs by limiting how much you are doing.
Increase your Mental Health Activities
For me I’ve increased my therapy sessions from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I know that my seasonal depression will increase around end of January so I will after Christmas take and limit my therapy and increase it again in February. This helps me to map out my plan and the cost of therapy too. Also doing more workouts and becoming intentional after all of the holiday cocktails to take that Dry January initiative too.
I also ask for specific gift cards from my extended family I use them to get new books and increase more reading in the winter time. These types of activities help me stay focused.
Courtesy of Pexel Pictures
Help for the Holidays
So yes it’s okay to not feel the holiday season. You are not an elf. It’s not your job to be jolly all the time. So don’t try to be. Be who you are. Work on you and what makes you feel secure and content this season. Don’t overdo it. You can’t go everywhere. So when invitations are sent respectfully decline. Set budgets for those who are shopping this season. You don’t have to over buy. Be intentional and an active participant in your mental health this season. If you’re sad, acknowledge it. Journal out your feelings. Get to the root of your issues. Do group therapy there are several that I like online like Circles. Also apps like Calm are a great go to. Podcasts too can help. This week I listened to Self Care is Sexy. On the episode, Self Sourced, the podcaster Kris Wood gave tangible examples of how you can take control of what self care is to you.
Well that’s what I have for today! Follow me on Instagram. Make sure to check out the Mental Health check in group.
