10 Tips for Managing the Spring Holiday Season

April 2023 will be a month of religious and cultural significance for many communities worldwide. Whether you're planning a trip or simply enjoying some time at home with your family, it's important to take care of your mental health during this time. As DBT and ACT therapists, we offer gentle reminders to help you make the most of your holiday season and/or spring break.

Practice self-compassion

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday and forget to take care of ourselves. Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. If things don't go as planned or you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break and give yourself time to rest and recharge.

Stay present

The holidays can be a time of reflection, but it's important not to get too caught up in the past or future. Instead, try to stay present in the moment and enjoy the experiences as they come. Practice mindfulness or meditation to help you stay focused on the present. Not familiar with mindfulness or meditation, no problem - if you notice your mind getting stuck in future worries or past distress, bring your attention to something right in front of you. For instance, if you are eating, notice the flavor, the temperature, the texture, and the smell of the food. 

Connect with others

Although we associate “holidays” with family, many individuals spend important religious or cultural holidays away from loved ones or have few folks to connect to. If you are spending a holiday away from loved ones, find ways to connect to those around you. Is there are a special Chicago event you can attend? Perhaps you take a walk in your neighborhood and say “hi” to those around you. Or even schedule an extra session with your therapist. Feeling connected is important.

Set boundaries

This is the hardest one for people! It's important to set boundaries during the holidays. This can mean saying “no” to events or activities that stretch you beyond your bandwidth, asking folks to press pause on distressing conversations, or setting limits on your social media use. Remember that it's okay to prioritize your mental health and well-being.

Embrace change

The holidays can be a time of change and transition. Embrace these changes and try to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. If traveling to a new place, be open to new experiences and try new things.

Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude can help us stay focused on the helpful aspects of our lives. Take time each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the people in your life, the experiences you've had, or the things you've accomplished.

Take care of your physical health

Physical health is closely tied to mental health. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods (alongside lots of delicious sweets and traditional holiday foods!), and stay active during the holidays. This can help you feel more energized and ready to take on new challenges and varying moods.

Seek support if you need it

If you're struggling with your mental health during the holidays, don't hesitate to seek support. Reach out to a therapist or a support group for help. Remember that it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

Practice flexibility

The holidays can be unpredictable, and it's important to be flexible and adaptable. If things don't go as planned or if you encounter unexpected challenges, try to approach the situation with a flexible mindset. This can help you stay calm and focused in the face of adversity.

Practice acceptance

Practice acceptance during the holidays. Accept that things may not always go as planned and that there may be challenges along the way. Rather than resisting these challenges, try to accept them as part of the journey and focus on what you can control.

April 2023 Religious Holidays to be Mindful of:

April 4 – Mahavir Jayanti: This holiday celebrates the birthday of Jainism founder Lord Mahavira.

April 5 to April 13 – Passover: This holiday spans 7 days and commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt.

April 9 – Easter: Easter is the most important holiday in Christianity. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ — Lord and Savior of Christians.

April 14 – Vaisakhi: This ancient festival celebrates both the Solar New Year and the springtime harvest.

April 16 – Feast of the Divine Mercy: This day, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska. St. John Paul II declared that it would be celebrated when he canonized her in 2000.

April 21 to April 22* – Eid al-Fitr: The holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. To end the fast, a big meal is its primary event.

The spring 2023 holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with loved ones. We can make the most of this special time by practicing self-compassion, staying present, setting boundaries, and taking care of our physical and mental health. Remember to be kind to yourself, embrace change, and stay open to new experiences. With a little effort and mindfulness, you can enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.

For more information on navigating holidays and using other DBT skills with the help of a therapist, reach out to us at hello@mindchicago.com.

Authored byMind Chicago therapist,Fatima Sakrani, LSW