- ABC of Mental Health
- Posts
- Finding Balance during Festivities
Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, where we explore wellness one week at a time. This week’s theme is Festivities and Finding Balance — a timely topic as the holiday season approaches, bringing both joy and unique pressures. Let’s dive in to find ways to enjoy the celebrations without the weight of perfectionism or consistent social comparison often leading to FOMO.
If you like what you read here, click to share this newsletter via WhatsApp today 🙂
One relevant recommendation:
Practise Festive Self-Care: Feeling pressured by others’ expectations or the “perfect” holiday ideals we see online is easy. This season, give yourself permission to celebrate in a way that feels right for you. Try one of our favourite self-care ideas: One “You” Day. Plan and dedicate a day during the festivities just for yourself. This could be a cosy day in, a walk in nature, or an activity you genuinely enjoy (it could even be catching up on sleep!). Think about what “you’d” like to do and take out just one day to make it happen.
Two quotes on the Joy of Imperfect Festivities:
Alexandra Elle, author and wellness advocate, highlights that holidays can grow and change with us:
“Holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like the ones we remember from our childhood. They evolve as we do, and sometimes, the most cherished traditions are the ones we create anew.”
Yung Pueblo, poet and writer, emphasises being present in shared moments, rather than comparing experiences:
"True celebration is about feeling at home within yourself. It’s about sharing moments, not measuring them."
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Embrace the Festive Spirit, Not the Pressure: Festive seasons often bring an unspoken rule of “doing it all”—perfect decor, gifts, and gatherings. But remember, it’s okay to set your own pace. For instance, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the idea of endless socialising, consider making time for small, intimate gatherings instead. Festivities should feel fulfilling, not exhausting. Focus on building new traditions that truly resonate with you. This could be something simple, like a small, cosy dinner with a close friend, or a personal ritual like journaling to reflect on the past year.
Combatting Festive FOMO: Seeing friends and family on social media celebrating can make anyone feel like they’re missing out. But remember, social media rarely shows the whole picture. Remind yourself that everyone's experiences, and even struggles, look different. You can find fulfillment by creating your own traditions that reflect what matters most to you—whether it's volunteering, cooking a favourite meal, or simply taking some “me time” to reflect.
Honouring Boundaries Amid Celebrations: Festivities are a wonderful time to connect, but they can also blur boundaries. This season, make space for what you need, whether it’s physical, social, or emotional. Physical boundaries could mean choosing foods that make you feel good (and being mindful of the portions) or sticking to a movement routine. Social boundaries may involve setting limits on how much you socialise, while emotional boundaries might mean saying “no” when you need a break. By honouring these limits, you’ll enjoy the season in a way that feels sustainable and nourishing.
A QUESTION?
What do you find most challenging during the festive season? Let us know :)
PS: Our most popular answer last week for the question how do you cope with uncertainty was… *(drumroll please)* - planning and organising.
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
—
You’re receiving this email because you showed an interest in therapy, mental health and/or well-being at The Social Therapist. If at any point you’d like to stop receiving this weekly newsletter, aimed at improving mental health, please feel free to unsubscribe below. We’d hate to see you go but we completely respect your decision to leave :)
Reply