Today we have a blog post from one of our Master’s level interns, Devin Kappie about mental wellness during the holidays. Devin has a passion for helping others and considers it an honor to walk alongside her clients’ journey in living lives authentic to them. Her counseling approach relies on the practice and use of compassion, vulnerability, courage, and patience with oneself and one’s relationships. Holding a strong belief that everyone is capable of living a life that is true to themselves, Devin values the therapeutic relationship as it is a space that prioritizes safety and authenticity without the fear of judgment. She believes all people and bodies are worthy and valuable. Through the unique and innate strengths of clients, Devin hopes to reconnect those she works with to a life and sense of self that is embodied by peace, empowerment, and belonging.
The holiday season is filled with joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also bring pressure to be perfect. Whether it’s creating the “perfect” dinner, having “perfect” decorations, or presenting a “perfect” life to your loved ones, these expectations can weigh on your mental health. Focusing on mental wellness during the holidays can help you manage the stress and perfectionism that often come with the season. In this post, we’ll explore how to set boundaries, take a break from social media, and bring awareness to your inner critic to support your holiday mental health.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Holiday Mental Health Wellness
One way to prioritize mental wellness during the holidays is by setting realistic expectations for yourself. The holiday season often brings pressure to overspend, overcommit, and overextend your time and energy. Instead of striving for perfection, take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you joy during this time. Is it the time spent with loved ones? The warmth of a simple gathering? By focusing on what matters most to you, you can release the pressure to be perfect and embrace more peace.
Budget your time, energy, and money carefully. Managing your time in a way that aligns with your values is key to mental wellness during the holidays, allowing you to protect your mental and emotional resources.
Take a Social Media Break for Your Holiday Mental Health Wellness
Social media can be a significant source of stress during the holiday season. Scrolling through picture-perfect holiday moments can leave us feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. To protect your holiday mental health wellness, consider taking a social media break.
Whether you limit your scrolling time or step away from social media entirely, this break will allow you to reconnect with what truly matters. Focus on how you feel during this break—are you more present? Do you feel more aligned with your values? A social media detox can be a powerful tool for managing perfectionism and preserving your mental health during the holidays.
Bringing Awareness to Your Inner Critic
Perfectionism often stems from an inner critic that creates unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others. During the holiday season, this inner voice can be especially loud. Prioritizing your mental wellness during the holidays involves recognizing when this inner critic appears and taking steps to soften its influence.
Start by identifying moments when your inner critic is at its peak. What are its triggers? By naming this inner voice and offering yourself compassion, you can begin to dismantle the unrealistic expectations it sets. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect to enjoy the holidays or be worthy of love and connection.
For more insights on managing perfectionism and supporting your mental wellness during the holidays, check out Dr. Menije’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. As a licensed psychologist and expert on perfectionism, she offers valuable resources to help you align with your authentic self during the holiday season.
Here’s an affirmation to guide you through prioritizing mental wellness during the holidays:
“Perfectionism is not a way to avoid shame. Perfectionism is a form of shame.” – Brené Brown
Remember, you are worthy of joy and peace, regardless of how perfect things appear. This holiday season, focus on setting boundaries, managing perfectionism, and embracing mental wellness.
We hope you found Devin’s insights on mental wellness during the holidays. If her message resonated with you, this could be the perfect time to take meaningful steps toward your healing and peace. To initiate your work with Devin, please feel free to call our office at 615.510.3797 or click here to learn more.
