Tis the Season! It's hard to believe that the holidays are upon us. This time of year has most of us scratching our heads wondering how the year flew by. A quick outing you can already see the signs in the store windows. You may have heard from a family member regarding plans for Thanksgiving or any other holiday celebration. The holidays can bring about a dizzying amount of demands: cleaning, cooking, parties, shopping and more. It also can bring a couple of unwanted guests-stress and depression.
There are a few tips to help you manage the last few months of 2015:
1. Learn to say no. It's not the end of the world if you don't make those rum balls you make every year from your grandmother's recipe.
2. Recognize how you are feeling.
3. Reach out. If you are lonely or sad, seek out community-religious or social. Or one of our support group gatherings. Or your doctor if nothing else seems to help.
4. Don't abandon your healthy habits. Get enough rest, don't overindulge, make sure to move each day.
5. Plan ahead. If you have a gathering to attend make sure to rest up before so you don't exhaust yourself.
6. Don't do the 'same old thing' this year. Maybe instead of going to the same family member's home, go to a friends. Change it up for some variety!
7. Stick to a budget. You don't need to buy happiness with store bought items. Give homemade gifts or donate to a charity in someone's name.
8. Be realistic. If you can't travel to see a family member, emails and phone calls are just fine.
9. Accept family as they are and set aside differences. Everyone has a battle of some kind and it is easier to show compassion than it is to show frustration.
10. Make time for yourself. Read a book, breathe in, listen to music or do something that makes you smile.
Don't allow the holiday season to become something you dread. Think of what causes you stress or sadness so you can use the tips above to make some changes this year. With some careful planning and a positive attitude you can have comfort and joy this year.
