7 Things To Take Care Of Your Emotional Stability While Going For A New Year Party

The holiday season with it’s cheer, Christmas drinks and feelings of joy can be a euphoric time for some, still a confusing time for others. Perhaps this is because the holidays bring about a sense of sadness and loss in some of us- a reminder of what could have been had we not lost a relationship, job, family member or even ourselves this year. Sure, we may have felt these feelings somewhere during the year too, but the pressure to be happy during this time can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Aanandita Vaghani, Founder and Mental Health Counselor, UnFix shares a few tips to help you take care of yourself this Christmas and New Year’s season and embrace your emotions while you’re at it.

1. Acknowledge the feelingSo while you’re preparing for your New Year’s party, actively bring awareness to the feelings you might be concealing- sadness, grief, anxiety, dread, excitement? Sometimes we can feel everything, and they can impact our mood. But it’s always better to know your emotions, and triggers that might come up during the party to fuel these. Not addressing them could lead to avoidance, which might lead to engaging in excessive drinking, as is often the case.
2. Set a limit for drinkingBut even before you do this, ask yourself “Am i drinking to have fun or to avoid a feeling” Then set a realistic limit, and find a buddy who can help you stay accountable for the same.
3. Stay in control of your substance abuseAmongst the many reasons people may become addicted to drugs or alcohol, one is to numb pain. If you are aware this might be the case with you, know your triggers at a party and make a safety plan to give you a predetermined, fixed way of dealing with the trigger whether it is a person or a place.
4. Try not to self-compareA lot of people tend to use New Years as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the year gone by. Just remember, sometimes it is time phases and not a calendar that is a judge of your milestones. Compare yourself only to who you were last year given the circumstances you were put in that were possibly out of your control.
5. Create a ritual for yourselfMaybe this is the time of the year that is a reminder of your pain, and at the same time a good time to create a ritual for yourself that you can hold yourself accountable for every year, no matter what the circumstance. Is it the lighting of candles? Making a playlist that helps get you in the mood? Or a festive recipe you treat yourself with? Choose your ritual, and celebrate yourself.
6. Don’t be afraid to set boundariesIt’s okay to say no if you feel overwhelmed – to a drink, a conversation or a topic- when there is an option. If you know a certain trigger will set you off, try and avoid the person or trigger unless you feel you have the resources to cope. This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that you know what you need, and how to ask for it.
7. Adopt an attitude of gratitudeAmidst all the mixed emotions and ambivalence, there is perhaps a part of you that is thankful for something. Tune into that part, and think about what lessons you can take away from stressful situations this year that will be your biggest strength for the year ahead.