Do You Have a Holiday Health Plan?

Welcome back empowered readers,

The holidays can be an exciting time for celebrating with friends and family. There can also be pressure to be seen a certain way. This pressure can feel overwhelming if you are dealing with stress, mental health, feelings of isolation, dealing with the loss of a loved one or struggling with emotional difficulties. To top it all off, pressures of financial strain can also bring added anxiety and stress to a time when we are to be enjoying our loved ones.

Here are 5 suggestions for ways of dealing with the holidays:

     1. Budget
Financial strain and stress is a common holiday trigger and exceptionally so during the current economic environment. Buying presents, food and travelling are common spending needed during the festive season and it may be easy to overextend yourself.

• Plan your budget in advance. Consider making this budget now if you haven’t already.
• Only spend cash or debit, avoid credit cards if possible.
• Make presents to off-set costs or host a Secret Santa for your friends and family.

 
     2. Set Realistic Expectations
Expectations that society (and ultimately ourselves) place on the holiday season can add pressure to already strained              relationships. Being realistic about what you can expect from spending time together with your loved ones during the holiday season will help avoid disappointments and arguments.

• Pace yourself: do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle.
• Decide on your limits and stick to them.
• Let others share responsibilities of the holiday tasks, ask for help or accept help when it is offered.
• Make a list and prioritize from the most important activities or tasks to the least important.

 
     3. Family
Like everyone’s family that I have met, not everyone gets along. Sometimes personality’s conflict and tensions are high. Those who are closest to us know how to push our buttons and our boundaries. This can result in feeling obligated to do the things that you do not want to do.

• Set boundaries and communicate them.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
• Decide one the right amount of time to stay at your loved ones, for example, stay one night instead of a whole weekend if you feel it will be too much.

 
     4. Loss
The holidays can be a reminder of the loss of a loved one.

• Acknowledge that the holiday season won’t be the same.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people who understand.
• This is an opportunity to create new traditions with your loved one in mind, honor their memory.

 
     5. Loneliness & Isolation
Loneliness and isolation can be a concern for many people during the holidays.

• If you struggle during the holiday season, let people know to check up on you.
• Search for free activities happening in the community.
• Volunteer with a non-profit, it is humbling and rewarding.
• Most importantly, invite those within your circle who are away from their loved ones into your home. It can make the biggest difference for them when they can’t be with their loved ones.

If you are struggling with mental health during the holiday season there is support. My services are covered under health insurance and I offer sliding scale rates for those within financial limitations, are students or are on fixed income. Reach out today and start the conversation.

To your empowered wellness,
​
Exchiela