healthy holiday mindset, healthy mindset habits, healthy mindset habits for the holidays, healthy habits for the holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or is it?

Most of us have high hopes for the holiday season. We all long to be connected with the people that we love. We plan special meals. We give presents that spark joy. But when things are extra busy, and you’ve got travels, shopping, parties, cooking, and family matters on your mind, you must be intentional about maintaining a healthy holiday mindset. Stress can derail your attitude and make this time of year feel less like a miracle and more like a nightmare. Setting aside time for yourself amid the rush to take care of your mental health is important.

If you or a loved one is concerned about handling the holidays, Alleviant offers comprehensive psychiatry, which can help you manage stress and increase happiness this holiday season. We can work with you to find the best treatment plan for your unique circumstances and needs. We offer a wide range of therapy options, including talk therapy, meditation, mindfulness training, and self-care strategies that can help you reduce stress and make the most of this special time of year.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a little support this holiday season, get in touch with Alleviant today at 501.904.4762. We can help you have a healthier, happier holiday season and make the most of this special time of year.

Habits for a Healthy Holiday Mindset

Getting your mind in the right space will allow you to truly enjoy the holidays and focus on the people you love. Here are seven habits to get you started on that healthy holiday mindset.

1. Take Time to Reflect

We live in a culture of connectivity and constant distraction. We’re always expected to be “on,” we’re always moving to the next big thing, and too many of us tie our self-worth to our to-do list.

Our brains need time to unwind and play in order to process events, feelings, and thoughts. Unfortunately, very few of us allow time to be still and cultivate reflection. You need time to be alone, turn off your devices, and just think.

Here are three practical ways to make reflection a habit. Even just five minutes a day will make a huge difference!

• Meditate – There are so many health benefits to meditation. You can check out the post we’ve already written about how to start meditating.
• Journal – Journaling is a healthy habit that lets you connect with your inner world. You don’t have to be a great writer or make a lot of sense to journal. Start writing a few lines or paragraphs about your day—the highs, the lows, the people you talked to, and the things you accomplished. You can also free-write, as quickly as possible, about any subject that comes to mind. Let loose on those emotions. There’s nothing to be afraid of.
• Review your year – Look over your calendar or pictures and think about the past year. Note your wins and losses, the big moments of change and transition. Write it out on a simple timeline from January to December. Just reviewing all that happened this year will help you focus your thoughts on the things that matter.

2. Say Goodbye to Negative Self-Talk

As you pay attention to your thoughts, you might notice some destructive patterns developing. You can leave negative self-talk behind in 2019 and start the New Year with a fresh mindset. Replace destructive and critical self-talk with positive affirmations. Let go of the drive to be perfect and perform all the time.

Our brains have a “negativity bias,” meaning we filter out the good and focus on the bad. We interpret events in a bad light, hang on to bad memories, and ruminate on hurtful things people have said or done. Since we tend toward negativity, we have to work intentionally to identify and get rid of the negative dialogue that’s happening in our heads.

 3. Get Ready for the Difficult Moments

The holidays bring their fair share of stress. One of the biggest headaches can come from spending time with family. You might have some serious tension or disagreements with family members. Instead of running away from those challenges, shift your mindset and see them as opportunities for growth. Recognize how you can grow as a person by speaking your mind and making progress to improve your relationships, instead of damaging them, by having honest conversations.

4. Give Thanks

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end when the turkey and the stuffing are gone. Carry the spirit of gratitude throughout Christmas and into the New Year. Practicing gratitude changes your mindset from one of fear to one of abundance. There are plenty of good things in our lives—we must be intentional about looking for them.

5. Spend Time With People Who Lift You Up

Motivational speaker and personal development coach Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Be intentional about the people you see over the holidays. You don’t have to say yes to every party invitation. There’s no way you can keep up with it all. Focus on the people who bring positivity and encouragement and say no to the rest.

6. Serve Your Community

Nothing will give you joy, like being connected with a great purpose. If you’re having a tough time getting out of a negative mental mindset, get your focus off yourself and give back to your community.

Here are a few ways you could serve this holiday season:

• Help kids in the foster care system. Many of those kids might not get Christmas gifts this year—unless someone like you decides to donate something. Get in touch with your local foster care system and see what you can do!
• Serve a meal in a homeless shelter. Spending time with the poor and the marginalized will help you get your eyes off yourself. You can volunteer in a soup kitchen or offer to bring a meal to a family in need.
• Clean up some trash. If you’re passionate about stewarding the earth, then organize a group of friends to do a local trash walk and clean up a certain part of the city.
• Give back to your church or a local non-profit. December is a popular time for all sorts of service projects, toy drives, and opportunities to spend time with people in need. Find an organization you’re passionate about, check out their website, or give them a call. Ask how you can help. They’ll find something for you to do!

7. Laugh, Sing, and be Merry

As adults, we must fight to maintain the sense of childlike wonder that keeps the world fresh and exciting. But the psychological benefits are worth it. Your mindset will move into an incredibly positive and joyful state. Look for ways to have fun and unwind during the holiday season.

Take care of yourself so you can truly enjoy the holidays. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you need to focus on re-adjusting your mindset. Your thoughts shape your reality, so make sure it’s the reality you want to live.

Develop a Healthy Holiday Mindset with Alleviant’s Assistance

At Alleviant, we specialize in helping people develop positive mindsets and healthy habits. If you’re feeling down or struggling to get into a positive mindset this holiday season, let us help. Whether you’re looking for personalized coaching and support or simply want access to some great resources and tools, Alleviant is here for you. Contact us at 501.904.4762 today.