12/04/2020
I put copies of Pathways' Holiday Survival Tips in our lobby every holiday season, but since we're virtual here's some good ideas on how to make it through December and January and hold on to a bit of control, even in the very stressful year of 2020!
Save Your Sanity During the Holidays!
HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
- There are no “perfect” families and so there are no “perfect” Holidays
- If your family didn’t get along before the Holidays, it’s not likely to get along during the Holidays – or after
SET A BUDGET
- Set expectations early with older children and family about gift giving
- Tell a younger child “Santa” will decide which of the hundreds of toys they’ve picked out from TV commercials – and help them understand Santa can’t bring everything the child wants. There’s just no room in the sleigh.
PUT LESS PRESSURE ON YOURSELF
- You don’t have to deliver a “perfect” meal, gift or day
- If you’re entertaining, delegate chores and cooking to your guests
- Buy ready made food – it’s about the company, not the cooking!
MAINTAIN YOUR NORMAL SCHEDULE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN
- Make sure you stick to your sleep schedule
- You don’t have to go everywhere you’re invited
- Take a breather – go out with friends or take some alone time
GO EASY ON THE HOLIDAY "CHEER".
- Over doing can wreak havoc on both your body and mind
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Refined sugars
- Music and TV specials – Just say “No” to the fifth viewing of “Frosty the Snowman”
REACH OUT
- Volunteer
- Befriend a lonely neighbor
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF YOU NEED IT
- Feeling overwhelmed is not a mental illness
HAVE A GOOD TIME!
Happy holidays from Becky Nelis, Mari Alschuler, Marlene Gall and Madeline Savage!
Pathways of Ohio Counseling Services, LLC 58 South Main Street, Suite 4 Poland, Ohio 44514 330-921-8308
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