Many clients find holiday times difficult.
Often people have unrealistic expectations that their families will suddenly become the ones they always wished they had. Others may feel as if they have to do everything perfectly in order to feel good about themselves. Our job is to help clients be realistic in their expectations and to pace themselves so that the holidays can be joyful, rather than stressful.
It wouldn’t hurt for us to remember these same suggestions! The best gift we can give to those around us is to take proper care of ourselves and help those with whom we work to do the same.
Keeping ourselves in good working order requires the use of a few self-care and balance tools:
• Eat well and in moderation
Remember – food affects your mood and energy levels.
• Exercise
A walk through the neighborhood to see the holiday lights is a great way to incorporate exercise into the holidays.
• Rest
When your stress level increases around the holidays, it’s more important than ever to allow your body to unwind and recharge.
• Say “no”
Don’t pack too many activities into the holiday season. Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyable – and there’s nothing enjoyable about feeling burned out.
• Seek out support
You can find a list of support resources at your local government or community center, or on your state’s website.
• Get regular checkups
Neglecting your own health can mean that you are the one who ends up sick.
Hope Makes Healing Possible!
Patricia Sherman, Ph.D., LCSW
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