Advertorial 6 tips for keeping your mental health in check this holiday season

[ASEAN NOW Sales]

 

As we’re counting down to Christmas and New Year’s, we’re constantly bombarded with messages of how ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year’ and everyone is ‘rocking around the Christmas tree’. So it’s no wonder that expectations are sky high and many are left disappointed, silently suffering from the holiday blues and experiencing a nosedive in their mental health. If you’re one of them (for whatever reason), this article from our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand gives 6 tips for keeping your mental health in check this holiday season. 

 

1. It's a Christmas like no other…

Chances are you’re not very keen to spend yet another holiday in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember that these are unprecedented times, and while you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way, there’s only so much you can do to alleviate your concerns. These may include getting antigen testing kits (ATK) for home use, getting vaccinated/boosted when you get the opportunity to, and asking whether your family and friends are vaccinated before making any plans to socialize.

 

2. ..and one that may look entirely different.

Are you an expat living abroad in Thailand? Unable to travel back to your country due to pandemic-related travel restrictions? You can video call your loved ones and send them care packages to let them know you’re thinking of them. While it’s only natural to long for the familiarity and comforts of home, you can also take the opportunity to do something entirely different. Meet other expats, go out for a meal, or even head to the beaches and islands of the south to make the most of the country’s natural beauty without swarms of tourists. 

 

3.  Awkward conversations are the name of the game

If you’re spending the holidays with your friends and family, you might be dreading certain topics of discussion. Whether it’s that uncle who has questionable political views or the cousin who’ll be curious to know if you’re seeing anyone, it’s best to mentally prepare for any awkward conversations beforehand. Practice your responses, with some ideas including “I hear you” or “Let’s talk about this a little later”. You can also make a stance to shut down any unwanted commentary. 

 

4. …and social batteries are a thing. 

Speaking of talking about things later, social batteries are totally a thing. As such, you shouldn’t feel bad about being drained of energy after periods of socializing. In fact, why not plan your exit strategy ahead of time? This is especially important if you’re with your partner or someone else you’ll need to go home with. This could be a secret signal to tell them that you’re ready to hit the sack and a reasonable excuse for your early departure. 

 

5. Think out-of-the-box when it comes to gifts…

There also might be unnecessary pressure in the gift-giving department. You might spend ages agonizing about the most thoughtful and sentimental gifts for your loved ones and worry about getting something that isn’t appreciated. The solution is to simply ask them what they’d like. Having this conversation also shows them that you value their needs and wants. If this tactic doesn’t work, you can always give practical gifts instead. Think gift vouchers, subscription services, or even just good old cash. 

 

6. …and that includes a health insurance plan for you and your loved ones.

When buying gifts for others this holiday season, don’t forget to consider the gift of good health for you and your loved ones. In other words, you can secure health insurance for Thailand expats to ensure access to the best private hospitals without having to pay out of pocket. You can use the plan to deal with any physical illnesses and/or accidents, as well as to get mental health support to keep the holiday blues at bay. 

 

Not sure where to begin in your hunt for expat health insurance? Fortunately, Pacific Prime Thailand is an expert in the health insurance space. Get in touch with them today for unbiased advice and a free quote today!