What do you
think of when you hear the Chinese New Year songs in the malls?
Maybe you
think of family gatherings, maybe you might prepare to recite some phrases of
well wishes to your relatives. Those of us who are single might be waiting to
get some money or maybe bracing for some nagging from relatives about when you
would get married. Those of us who are married, being asked when you would get
your first child. And those with your first child, you might be asked about
when you would get another. Sometimes the nagging seems like an endless cycle
of not meeting up to the expectations of our relatives.
For some of
us however, we may not celebrate the Chinese New Year, be it because we are not
Chinese, or maybe because we are alone, or maybe it might be an immensely
triggering period for some of us. The list is endless.
Sometimes,
we may not enjoy this festive season. We may join in reciting well wishes to
our colleagues and peers, but it might leave us feeling empty or even upsetting
to be reminded that this time draws near.
Sometimes
people ask us "This is such a joyous season, what do you have to be sad
about?" It reminds us of the times some people told us "Your life is
going well, why are you depressed?"
But little
do people know, some of us might be struggling during this period. Mental
illnesses do not take a break during the festive period. In fact, it might get
worse. For those who face such difficult situations, there are some tips for us
to take note of. Being able to self-care in our lives are vital regardless
whether this is a time of joy or sadness.
Below are
some tips we can take note of:
1. Have
enough sleep. During festivities, we tend to stay up late to party or be at
gatherings. Lack of sleep has been shown to been related to a poor mood,
increased irritability and fewer emotional outbursts (Saghir, Syeda, Muhammad
& Abdalla, 2018). Be sure to keep to your usual sleep schedule as much as
possible!
2. Exercise!
If it's too loud and crowded outside, or if your usual gym isn’t open, you
don't have to go out, you can watch some yoga or fitness youtube videos and do
them at home. Or if you want some nature, go to a park near you. Be mindful and
aware of your surroundings and your body as you do so. Integrate mindful
walking if you are game enough! In the link here, you can find an audio to
guide you through the mindful walking process:
https://www.mindful.org/daily-mindful-walking-practice/
3. Take time
for yourself, be it a bath, a massage, reading a book, colouring, drawing or
even watching videos. Take time to do something you enjoy.
4. Allow
yourself to feel down. Humans have a wide range of emotions, it is not possible
for anyone to be happy all the time. Let yourself feel the emotions. Sometimes
in order to get through the day, we tend to suppress our emotions. Emotions may
seem big and intimidating to confront, especially these negative emotions and
thoughts that bug us, be it from time to time or constantly. But to grow from
it, we must first process and work through it.
5. Connect
with those who truly matter. In the race to meet all our relatives and friends,
sometimes we have to remember to pace ourselves. Even if we are alone during
this time of gathering, the internet is a vast space. Find facebook groups over
a shared interest, maybe crafts, or sharing book reviews! Maybe a mental health
support group even.
There may be others who are also alone during this time.
Maybe just shoot a post to the group "I'm having a hard time, does anyone
want to chat?" If need be, call the S.O.S hotline at 1800-221-4444. It may
sound cliché, maybe even too politically correct, but sometimes what we may
need is a listening ear. Be it with a friend or a stranger on the line.
Sometimes we just need to vent, to release, and to be heard.
Remember,
there is nothing for people to judge about as to how we feel even during festive
season. Being able to take care of our ownself and emotions are very important.
Well, of course, if it is possible, join your friends and enjoy yourself during
this festive season to the fullest. Connecting with others can sometimes cheer
you up too!
References
Saghir, Z.,
Syeda, J. N., Muhammad, A. S. & Abdalla, T. H. B. (2018). The amygdala,
sleep debt, sleep deprivation, and the emotion of anger: A possible connection?
Cureus, 10(7): e2912. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2912
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