How to Prioritize Yourself and Mental Health This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is filled with joy, family, and festive activities, but it can also bring stress, overwhelm, and neglect of your own needs. At Mountains Therapy, we believe it’s vital to prioritize yourself and your mental health during this busy time. By setting intentional goals and incorporating self-care strategies, you can enjoy the season without losing yourself in the hustle and bustle. Here’s how to make your mental well-being a priority, with tips and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT exercises for holiday anxiety, boundaries, self-care, and practicing gratitude to keep you grounded. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of therapy. You deserve it. Don’t wait until the new year to take charge of your mental health, because it may be more difficult to find a therapist accepting new clients near you. Schedule your first therapy appointment today.

1. Have a Goal for Mental Health

Setting a goal for your mental health is like creating a roadmap for the holiday season. It keeps you focused and helps you prioritize what matters most.

• Examples of Mental Health Goals:
• Dedicate time each day to mindfulness or relaxation.
• Set limits on your commitments to avoid burnout.
• Maintain consistent sleep and eating habits.
• CBT Exercise for Mental Health Goals
• Write down your goal and create actionable steps.
• For example, if your goal is to reduce stress, plan a daily 10-minute breathing exercise or a gratitude journaling session. Track your progress and adjust as needed.

2. Take Time for Self-Care

Self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential. By making time for yourself, you’re better equipped to handle holiday challenges.

• Ideas for Holiday Self-Care:
• Enjoy quiet moments, like sipping tea or listening to music.
• Spend time doing activities that recharge you, like walking, reading, or crafting.
• Delegate tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• CBT Exercise for Self-Care:
  
• Create a self-care menu with a list of activities that relax or energize you.
• Schedule at least one self-care activity daily.
• Use CBT “behavioral activation” to engage in enjoyable activities even when your energy feels low—it can boost your mood significantly.

3. Prioritize Boundaries

Setting boundaries is one of the most important ways to protect your energy and mental health during the holidays. Boundaries help you manage expectations and stay true to your needs.

• How to Set Common Boundaries:
• Limit the amount of time you spend at events.
• Decline invitations or tasks that feel overwhelming.
• Clearly communicate financial or time constraints.
• CBT Exercise for Boundaries:
• Practice assertiveness by using “I” statements.
• For example, “I need to step away to recharge” or “I won’t be able to host this year.” Role-play these scenarios with a trusted friend or therapist to build confidence.

4. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude can shift your perspective and help you find joy, even during stressful times.

• How to Practice Gratitude:
• Keep a journal to note three things you’re grateful for each day.
• Share your appreciation with loved ones through a note or kind words.
• Reflect on small, meaningful moments, like the warmth of a hug or the sparkle of holiday lights.
• CBT Exercise for Practicing Gratitude:
• Reframe negative thoughts by focusing on the positive aspects of a situation.
• For example, if you’re stressed about hosting, remind yourself, “I’m grateful to have a home where loved ones can gather.”

5. Use CBT Exercises for Holiday Anxiety

Feeling anxious about family dynamics, financial pressures, or keeping up with traditions? CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques can help you manage holiday anxiety.

• Quick Anxiety-Reducing Techniques:
• Practice deep breathing: Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale for six.
• Use grounding techniques to focus on your senses and stay present.
• Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.
• CBT Exercise for Holiday Anxiety:
• Identify automatic negative thoughts, such as “I’ll never get everything done.”
• Challenge these thoughts by listing evidence against them and replacing them with balanced alternatives.
• Fore example: "I can prioritize what’s most important and let go of the rest.”

6. Make Starting Therapy a Mental Health Goal This Holiday Season

One of the most impactful ways to prioritize yourself during the holidays is by starting therapy. At Mountains Therapy, we believe that therapy is a gift you give to yourself—a space to focus on your needs, explore your emotions, and build tools for a healthier, more balanced life. The holiday season can be a challenging time to prioritize your mental health, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to take the first step. Whether you’re struggling with holiday stress, navigating family dynamics, or simply feeling overwhelmed, therapy can help you feel supported and empowered to handle whatever comes your way.

• How Therapy Can Help During the Holidays:
• Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Learn evidence-based techniques like CBT exercises for holiday anxiety to manage stress and feel more in control.
• Strengthen Boundaries: Work with a therapist to practice setting and maintaining boundaries with family, friends, or work obligations.
• Focus on Self-Care: Therapy provides a dedicated time to reflect, recharge, and develop habits that prioritize your well-being.
• Practice Gratitude: Explore mindfulness and gratitude exercises to reframe your thoughts and cultivate positivity during the season.

6. Where to Find Mental Health Support from a Therapist Near You

Sometimes, navigating the holiday season requires extra support. A professional therapist can provide you with the tools and guidance you need to feel grounded and empowered.

• How To Find Support Near Me? 
• CBT Therapists: Specialized help for managing stress, anxiety, and creating healthy habits.
• Boundaries Therapists & Counselors for Boundaries: Work with a therapist to practice setting and maintaining boundaries.
• Mental Health Counselors: Compassionate guidance tailored to your unique needs.
• CBT Counselors: Effective, evidence-based support for tackling holiday challenges.

7. Start Mental Health Counseling At Mountains Therapy Today

Our therapists compassionate team of therapists specializes in helping clients navigate the challenges of the holiday season and beyond. Whether you’re seeking a CBT therapist near you, a boundaries therapist near you, or a mental health counselor near you, we’re here to support your journey.

• Convenient Access: We offer flexible scheduling, including virtual therapy sessions, so you can get the support you need no matter where you are.
• Personalized Care: Our therapists tailor sessions to your unique goals, whether that’s overcoming anxiety, improving relationships, or finding balance during the holidays.
• A Safe, Judgment-Free Space: Therapy is your time to focus entirely on yourself, free from external pressures or expectations.

8. Achieve Your Mental Health Goals Today

Starting therapy this holiday season is a meaningful and achievable mental health goal. It’s a way to say, “I matter, and I deserve care and support.” By prioritizing therapy, you’re investing in your own well-being—something that will benefit not only you but also those you love. Our Counselors at Mountains Therapy are here to support you, and together we can make this holiday one where you don’t just survive, but thrive.

Contact us today to schedule your first session this holiday season and before the New Year.