Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago

Making A Plan For A Happy Holiday

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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.

Self-Care Tips to Get You Through the Holidays

While the holiday season can be a time of connection and cheer for many, for others it can bring about additional stress and isolation. During the season of giving we often devote so much time to others that we forget to take care of ourselves. Reclaiming and incorporating time for yourself is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and balanced holiday season. Below are a few ways in which you can give to yourself this season:

Reflect: Throughout the year reflection is a key aspect of self-care, but moving it to the forefront is especially important during the holidays. Reflection can bring about renewal and change as you enter the new year, and for some can even bring closure. Meditation and journaling are ways in which you can reflect on what it most important during these times. Both provide emotional and physical benefits that aid in the mitigation of undesirable symptoms.
Rest: Another important aspect of everyday life, that is especially important during this busy time, is rest. By maintaining a routine, you allow yourself to remain recharged and refreshed during this season of rush.
Prioritize: In an effort to match the pace of the season, many people often find themselves playing catch up once the holidays have ended. Allow yourself time to create and stick to realistic goals, which can include scheduling and budgeting. This eliminates the burden of overspending and overexerting yourself.
Create: Instead of focusing on the hustle of the season, take advantage of the magic of the season by creating traditions that will last for many seasons to come.
Redefine: Many assume that giving requires spending. During the coming days, take time to reflect on the meaning of the holidays by redefining what it means to give. Giving your time to be in service of others is an easy and inexpensive way to lift spirits.

In keeping with the holiday season, it is important to remember that self-care is key to achieving greater health, happiness, and prosperity. As stated by Calving Coolidge, “Holidays are not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of the Holidays.”