Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Seasonal Survival: Tips for Navigating the Holidays

We know the upcoming holidays are supposed to be a festive and joyful time of the year, however the reality is that many of us have a difficult time during these months. Family obligations, feelings of being overwhelmed and times of sadness are completely understandable - and affect many of us each December.


Read on for some of the tips and suggestions we'll be adding to our Facebook page during November and December. Perhaps you'll find something which may help you cope with some challenging times, or perhaps discover some ideas to help a friend through the holidays. To download any of the images included here, just double-click to open the larger version in a new window.




Try making a list of things of all the things you are thankful for, no matter how small or silly they may be. (Heck, I treated myself and my vehicle to a car wash the other day and somehow felt a bit better washing all that gunk off my chariot!)




Remember; caring for yourself is a must, because as it's been stated by others "one cannot pour from an empty cup". Be kind to your needs, okay?




Making a plan for what you NEED to do vs what you feel compelled to do can help more than you think....





Set goals and make a list of reasonable tasks and responsibilities. Include some things you may wish to skip too!




Smiling = positive vibes. It won't fix everything but focusing on the positive things (even if you feel as if you have to look hard to find them!), is a great strategy. :)




Keep the basics in mind.




Feeling a little blue? Try finding others to talk to or spend time with who can understand and most importantly, listen.




What are some of your favorite relaxation techniques or activities? Make a list and keep it handy.






Why not create your own poster board similar to this one? List ways you can relax and de-stress on colorful paper and make a reminder chart for the days you need a little down time.




Know your limits and plan accordingly. Remember, it's okay to say "No" when you have reached your limit.




These are some wise words that could be part of your life any day of the year!




Sometimes acknowledging what we have is a wonderful way to find joy in the season. It doesn't mean that we don't observe what is tough about the holidays as well, however, because I think being honest is the best strategy. Seeking out the good things can really make a difference I believe. Would you agree?




Best wishes to you during the upcoming days and weeks, and be kind to yourself and others! Have some thoughts to add to this post? Visit our Facebook page to share your suggestions or ideas. Happy holidays!





Sincerely, 
Andrea Baumann


 
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