While the holidays can bring joy, excitement and celebration, they also come with high expectations around hosting, gift-giving and social events, which can lead to financial and emotional stress. According to a recent survey by
Bank of Montreal, 79 per cent of Canadians plan to cut back on spending this holiday season and 54 per cent acknowledge financial anxiety when thinking about holiday spending.
Seasonal changes that bring shorter, colder days and less sunlight can add to feelings of burnout or sadness, making this a challenging time for your mental well-being. As you prepare for the holiday season, remember to check in on your mental health and prioritize self-care.
Here are some suggestions to help manage your well-being this holiday season:
- Set realistic expectations: Avoid idealizing the holidays or expecting perfection. Embrace what’s possible in the present and be mindful of family dynamics to reduce disappointments.
- Prioritize self-care and rest: Regularly check in with yourself to manage stress, using techniques like deep breathing, joyful movement and relaxation activities.
- Be mindful with finances and habits: Set a budget, moderate spending and maintain healthy habits around food, alcohol, sleep and screen time to support overall well-being.
- Embrace flexibility and adaptability: Anticipate that things may not go as planned to help alleviate stress. Let go of past traditions and create new, adaptable ones that bring joy and reduce pressure.
- Practice presence and focus on small joys: Engage fully in each moment by stepping back from the news and practicing mindfulness to ease holiday stress. Notice small acts of kindness and appreciate simple, meaningful moments to cultivate positivity and deepen connections.
- Foster connection and community: Combat loneliness by reaching out to friends, family or community groups. Engage in local gatherings or volunteer to build a sense of connection.
Acknowledging seasonal pressures with compassion, both for yourself and others, can make this busy time more enjoyable and fulfilling. By taking small steps to prioritize your mental well-being, you not only improve your own health but create a more open and supportive environment for everyone.
For mental health resources, visit our
Lawyer Well-Being Hub, which offers confidential support and free counseling for lawyers, their families, and articled students dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work challenges, or substance use issues.
Additionally,
LifeSpeak, an online platform available for free to BC lawyers and their families, offers videos, expert blogs, and articles covering topics related to the holiday season and more.
If you are looking for a quick break this holiday season, these videos are a good place to start:
You can find these and many more resources by visiting https://lawsocietyofbc.lifespeak.com/ and entering the group Access ID (see details in your Member Portal).
For lawyers looking to complete their CPD credits for 2024,
LifeSpeak also has content that counts towards CPD credit.
