by CCCOC Resources / in Active, Adult Relationships, Anxiety, Blog, Depression, Emotional Health, Family Relationships, Healing, Holidays, Physical Health, Self Improvement, Uncategorized / tags: Holiday Stress, Self Improvement, Self-Care
Think About It
- What is one thing that you’ve experienced on a past holiday that you do not want to repeat this year?
- Drinking too much / using drugs
- Spending the holiday alone at home and feeling lonely
- Conflict with family or friends
- Feeling guilty or sad that I had nothing to give
- Feeling depressed
- Wanting to hurt myself or someone else
Future Brighter Holidays
2. Can you avoid what you checked this holiday and commit not to do it?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
Check one box under each category that you would like to do this holiday:
Physical
- Eat healthy foods (substitute fruit for sweets or vegetables for chips!)
- Get exercise (bundle up and go for a walk)
- Drink plenty of water (limit alcohol and caffeine)
- Get enough sleep (7-9 hours each night)
- Practice good hygiene (get out of your pajamas and put on something nice!)
Mental
- Make a plan: Take action and decide fun ways to spend your Holiday Season with others.
- Don’t fake it: embrace both good and bad feelings.
- Create a tradition for yourself: light a candle, talk with a friend, say a prayer, sing a favorite song.
- Tell yourself that it doesn’t have to be the “best time of the year.”
Social
- Plan your holidays ahead of time (where will you go for the meal?)
- Plane to be with people you enjoy.
- Talk about your feelings. Cry, laugh. Do not try to hide your honest emotions.
- However, if you find yourself getting angry, take 3 deep breaths and remove yourself from the situation.
- Put some effort into seeing that someone else has a wonderful holiday. Serve at shelter. Ask if you can help set up for a dinner. Find satisfaction in doing for others.
3. Now circle just one of the things you checked above that you will commit to doing this holiday.
I _________________________________ (your name) commit to thriving and living with less stress this Holiday Season.
Date: ____________________________
Can you mark yes to question #1 now?
If you want to discuss this further feel free to contact Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago (312) 573-8860 or cccoc@chicagocounseling.org
*Please note if at any time you feel overwhelmed or that you may hurt yourself, please call the Northwestern Crisis Hotline at: (312) 926-8100 or 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.
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