Tips to care for yourself and your community
The end-of-year season can be a period of celebration, as many religious and cultural holidays are recognized around the world from November to January. This can be a time full of joy and connection, but it can also be a difficult and lonely time for many.
52% of Canadians report feeling low, anxious and isolated during the end of the year, according to a Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) commissioned poll from 2021. It can be a natural time of reflection as folks prepare for the New Year, too, which can bring up both positive and negative feelings.
Here are a few ways you can care for yourself and your community, to launch into the New Year feeling healthy, nurtured and restored.
1. Make yourself a priority
Give yourself the freedom to engage in activities and events on your terms and at your comfort level. It’s ok to decline invitations or set a specific departure time when attending events. As you prepare for the upcoming year, ensure that your plans include dedicated moments for self-care, introspection, and engagement with activities that genuinely bring you joy.
Taking proactive steps to nurture our mental health is a powerful investment in our overall well-being. Explore the resources at BounceBackBC.ca, a free skill-building mental health program to help individuals overcome challenges, manage stress, and enhance their overall mental health. Register today and discover how a BounceBack Coach can help you on your journey towards a healthier and more resilient mind.
2. Create space for reflections
Year-end celebrations often involve reconnecting with loved ones, which can intensify feelings of loss when grieving a departed family member or friend. It’s important to recognize that experiencing sadness is a natural part of this process. Discovering meaningful ways to honour their memory and engaging with others who shared that love could help in healing and processing grief.
If you need someone to talk to, the BC Bereavement Helpline provides compassionate listening, support, information, and referrals to resources. The helpline is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Call toll free 1-877-779-2223.
3. Make time to connect or re-connect
More than 1 in 10 Canadians often or always feel lonely according to a Statistics Canada social survey. Your connections with others and your community play a vital role in safeguarding your mental well-being. Be mindful of signs of loneliness in yourself and those around you. Here are some things you can do:
- Inviting a friend or neighbour for a shared meal.
- Checking in on your older neighbor and helping with end-of-year chores.
- Making a thoughtful call to an out-of-town or out-of-touch family or friend.
- Attend or volunteer at a local event in your community and make new connections.
As you carve out space for connection and community, remember the richness of our diverse society, encompassing various cultural celebrations beyond those in December.
As we step into the New Year, remember the incredible impact that connecting with others can have on our mental well-being. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can contribute significantly to our overall happiness and resilience.
4. Consider moderation as your mantra
Try not to overdo it too much: Over-eating. Over-drinking. Over-spending. General over-indulgence can impact how we feel, even if it offers gratification in the moment. You can still build in treats for yourself without losing good habits altogether.
- Healthy Eating: Eat regular meals to help keep your mood and energy levels steady. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods that benefit both body and mind.
- Mindful Drinking: While alcohol may lift your mood temporarily, it can lead to a subsequent drop. Explore tips for safer drinking at CMHA BC’s MindfulDrinking.ca resource. Learn about hosting more inclusive events for those choosing to drink less or not at all.
- Financial Wellness: Traveling, hosting, and gift-giving can amplify financial stress. Set budgets and communicate limits with loved ones. Resist the temptation of end-of-year sales by waiting a few days before making non-essential purchases.
- Tame Temptations: Identify and strategize against common over-indulgences. For instance, make healthier options more accessible, like having mandarin oranges as readily available as chocolates on a counter.
Remember, if you do over-indulge, be kind to yourself. Focus on positive changes for the future and enlist the support of friends and family to help you stay on track.
5. Turn down the digital noise
Check in on your well-being and the use of media. We live in a globally connected society, and social media is a big part of it. Distressing newsfeeds and headlines can be overwhelming, and excessive use of social media can impact mental well-being. The image of the “perfect holiday” permeates the mainstream culture. We know exactly how it’s supposed to go. We feel obligations. We compare ourselves to the ideal. Are we happy enough? Are we doing it right?
Balancing media consumption is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind amidst the digital noise.
- Be intentional about the media you consume. Choose sources that provide accurate and balanced information. Set limits on your daily screen time to avoid information overload.
- Allocate specific times for social media use to prevent constant exposure. Designate periods for digital detox to focus on real-life interactions and self-care.
- Curate your social media feeds by unfollowing accounts that contribute to negativity or stress. Prioritize content that uplifts, educates, or brings joy.
- Share content that promotes positivity and meaningful discussions. Avoid spreading misinformation and be mindful of the potential impact your posts may have on others.
Remember, making conscious choices about your media consumption is a proactive step towards safeguarding your mental well-being in our interconnected world.
6. Tune into your feelings and recognize when to seek help
Create practices that deepen your understanding of your mind and body’s needs, especially during the transitions between the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. Recognizing your feelings is the initial step towards addressing them.
Prioritize your physical well-being through sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and nourishing food; these practices contribute significantly to nurturing your mental well-being as well. As you venture into the New Year, reflect on strategies that allow you to listen to your needs and enhance your overall mental well-being.
If, despite your best efforts, you feel overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety or sadness, or if your negative feelings are persistent or get in the way of your daily life, you should reach out for mental health support:
- For mental health support or referral, call the BC Mental Health Support Line any time at 310-6789 (no area code).
- If you are experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of harming yourself, or thoughts of suicide, crisis lines are available 24/7. Text or call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC.