Take10vlog 018: The Holidays & Your Mental Health

I. Introduction     A. Mental Health and the Holidays II. Recognizing Stressors     A. Recognizing Stressors of the Holiday:     B. What Impact Can Stress During the Holidays (and in general) have on our Well-Being? III. Statistics and Research: 1. According to the American Psychological Association, a study showed that 38% of Americans said they were more stressed during the Holiday seasons. This additional stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety and substance misuse 2. Additionally, a study completed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness showed that 64% of respondents living with a mental health condition noted that they felt their condition worsened  around the holidays. IV. Steps to Prioritize Mental Health     A. Setting Boundaries     B. Self-Care Practices 1. Incorporating regular exercise into the holiday routine 2. Implementing mindfulness and relaxation techniques 3. Prioritizing sufficient sleep for overall well-being C. Alone Time         1. Allocating moments of solitude amid social gatherings         2. Providing opportunities for self-reflection and relaxation   D. Realistic Expectations         1. Fostering a realistic perspective to avoid undue stress V. Conclusion     A. Summarize key points about prioritizing mental health during the holidays Mental Health is critical. Mental health during the holidays is paramount. To ensure you have a fantastic holiday season, remember the following: -Recognize your stressors -What they are and when you generally are exposed to them -Know that the Holidays are tough on everyone -Prioritizing your Mental Health can be done by completing the following: -Set boundaries -Take steps to practice self-care -It’s OK to take alone time -Ensure you are setting realistic expectations for yourself this Holiday season