Emotional Support For The Holidays

The holidays can be an exciting time of year, marked by numerous celebrations and festivities. It’s a time to enjoy comfort foods with loved ones, reflect on our connections and all we have to be thankful for, and perhaps honor family traditions. While the holidays can be rewarding and joyful, they can also be…stressful. 

 

A recent 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of adults in the U.S. feel stressed during the holidays, with 41% reporting it’s their most stressful time of year. It was noted that particular holiday stressors include lack of time, gift-giving, financial concerns, and family gatherings. 

 

With stress, there can be anxiety, depression, and an increased incidence of illness. Furthermore, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has noted that 64% of those with mental health disorders report that their conditions worsen with the holidays. 

 

As with any season of life that is particularly stressful, it is important to prioritize self-care when possible. This becomes even more important when navigating mental or physical conditions, when having emotional support is crucial. While emotional support can vary from person to person, there are some simple approaches that most of us can benefit from. 

 

Tips for Emotional Support During the Holidays:

 

Gratitude:

Having a regular gratitude practice has been shown to have numerous benefits. Recently, researchers have found that a regular gratitude practice can enhance pathways involved in emotional resilience, promote positive thoughts, and facilitate coping with stress. Furthermore, the act of writing what you’re grateful for, or gratitude stories, has been shown to help with emotional regulation. During the stress of the holidays, it can be helpful to start a gratitude practice and take a moment to write about the things you’re grateful for. 

 

Walking in Nature:

Walking in nature or outside in your local area can offer numerous benefits for overall well-being, particularly for mental health. The full spectrum of UV light we get when outside signals parts of the brain responsible for pain perception and mood regulation. It also supports our circadian rhythm, promoting more balanced wake and sleep cycles. Additionally, walking promotes circulation, which is important for the brain and overall health. Even a 10-to 15-minute walk daily can help support balanced emotions. 

 

Reiki:

Reiki is an increasingly popular form of energy healing, in which an attuned Reiki practitioner places their hands on or over the recipient to facilitate the movement and balancing of energy. This method of healing dates back to the 19th century in Japan, attributed to Mikao Usui. Recent studies have shown that it can improve both physical and mental well-being. A 2019 trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health found it improved anxiety, depression, and overall well-being in the participants. Especially during the chaos that accompanies the holidays, Reiki can be a beneficial part of one’s self-care practices, providing emotional support. 

 

While the holidays are certainly a time to indulge in the joys of indulgent foods, gifts, and the company of others, it is also essential to make time for self-care. During the holidays, it is common and understandable to need extra self-care and emotional support. At Richmond Natural Medicine, we take pride in supporting others and offer a range of services to help. We are currently offering discounted Reiki sessions with Dr. Barranco during the holidays, as well as offering holiday gift bags to support self-care. 

 

Check out our other blog for tips on how to support your digestion during the holidays as well!