Over the holidays, the gift you can give yourself is taking care of your mental health

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The holiday season can be challenging for many – whether it’s lonely, overwhelming, busy, quiet, or a reminder of people that can’t be with you.

It’s also the time of year we get the least daylight, with colder and drearier weather.

To take care of yourself, here are some tips issued by London Health Sciences Centre to help take care of yourself

Stay physically active – whether it’s going for a walk, or maintaining a workout routing, getting active can help relieve stress.

Make time for the things you love – there’s always more to do, but it’s important to balance the chaos with fun and joy to avoid holiday burnout.

Spend time with people that support you – spend quality time with people that care for you and help you feel good. Perhaps consider reaching out or joining a new activity where you can meet new people.

Practice relaxing – put away the distractions and take a minute to soak in the moment. Bring present and not thinking about everything that needs to be done can be a good way to slow down and take a moment.

Set simple and attainable goals – if you have something to work toward and look forward to, it can be a great way to reduce burnout. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or a lifestyle change, progress always feels good.

If all else fails, it’s important to make use of the resources available to you. Whether it’s tapping in to mental health supports, or engaging in programming, stay connected, and remember to take care of yourself.