by Christine Collins, M.A., LPC, NCC, CADC / in Active, Articles, Blog, Depression, Emotional Health, Holidays, Physical Health, Self Improvement, Spiritual Health / tags: depression, Family Relationships, Forgiveness, Rebuilding, Self Improvement
For your physical health:
Be deliberate about what activities you choose to attend. Decide ahead of time what would benefit you the most and what is in line with your needs.
Ask for help from others. We tend to think we have to do everything, when a team effort can be more fun.
Make time to rest and rejuvenate even amidst the pressure of getting things done. This will give you more energy.
Pay attention to your eating and drinking.
For your emotional health:
Express your feelings in an assertive and respectful way. Say “yes” because you want to, not out of obligation or to please others.
Surrender to those things that we cannot change. Surrendering is accepting things that we cannot control which allow us not to struggle and feel more at ease.
Don’t isolate. Reach out to others if you feel lonely. If you don’t have someone to be with, volunteer to help those in need. It can be very uplifting and gratifying. Spend time with supportive people.
Spend time to reflect and grieve, if necessary. Let yourself feel. Then do something nice for yourself and socialize.
Practice mindfulness. Try to observe your internal experience, just as it is, without judgment.
For your spiritual health:
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are perfect just as you are today.
Extend forgiveness.
Let go of the past. Life brings changes and each holiday season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Look forward.
Each week, call or email a family member or friend that you have not connected with in some time.
Make a new friend and invite them for coffee.
Find time to be with God. Pray!
About the Author: Christine Collins, M.A., LPC, NCC, CADC
