Ah, the holidays. A time of joy, holly, and stress. Managing your time, interacting with family, and managing expectations can be tricky.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help make this time of year go a bit smoother: 

• Practice your own coping skills. We talked about coping skills in the World Mental Health blog post in October. Having the groundwork down by practicing these skills can help them be more useful at times of stress/heightened emotions.  

• Set healthy boundaries. Respect differences and do not over schedule yourself. It’s okay to say no!  

• Take time for yourself. Whether it is a hobby you enjoy, devoted time to exercise, or a visit to your health providers, find some time to take care of yourself. 

• Stick to a budget. This time of year can be stressful as many of us want to give thoughtful gifts to those around us. Preplanning your budget for holiday shopping can be helpful for your wallet and for your mental health.  

• Reach out if you need help. Having to put on a brave face when you are struggling can be especially difficult during this season. Talk with your primary care provider, therapist, or any trusted medical provider for some guidance.   

• Focus on experiences with loved ones over material things. This can help us manage gift giving, as we know it is not about what we receive, but rather the time spent with loved ones. 

• Don’t save resolutions for New Year’s. Practice self-help and better habits NOW. Whether it is a new exercise routine, a healthy habit to start, why wait? Start them today to kick off the new year with some practice under your belt. 

• Try to eat a balanced diet. Holiday treats are fun but can get you off track and overindulging can make you feel icky. Try to get in some fruit or vegetables when you have the chance.  

• Stay Active. Move your body every day, whether it is shoveling snow, going to the gym, or taking a YouTube exercise class from the comfort of your home. 

• Don’t compare yourself to others. Social Media lives aren’t always the truth. Don’t compare your “joy” to others’ “joy” 

Finding our own way to celebrate holidays can be challenging with our natural comparison to others. Make sure to practice checking in with yourself to honor your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

If you are interested in more information or have questions, feel free to reach out. 

• Epilepsy Foundation of NENY: Sam Champagne, LMHC, 518-456-7501 

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 

Find a therapist: psychologytoday.com

Epilepsy and Mental Health often go hand in hand. We are here to help.