Friday, December 14, 2012

Holiday Health Tips, Holiday Survival Guide Part Two

Holiday Health Tips

1. Try to stay relaxed and maintain a positive outlook. While there are stressors, there is also much to be thankful for.

2. Be mindful of over commitment and overspending.

3. Balance work, home, and play.

4. Recreation and Social Connection: Plan fun activities with friends, family, partners and other loved ones. Attend a community event (theatre, music, lecture, etc.).

5. Get support: Having someone (family, friends, co-workers, sponsors, therapists, etc.) to talk to can really lighten the burden of the stress you feel.

6. Do something spiritual if that is important to you: Visit your place of worship. You may find comfort and perspective from your spiritual community.

7. Take care of your body:

8. Eat well and avoid alcohol or other drugs.

9. Exercise regularly & maintain a routine.

10. Make sure to get proper sleep.

11. Stay active: Volunteer or find another meaningful and satisfying activity in which to engage. Pick up an old hobby. Call an old friend. Bake cookies. Finish that home project you’ve been putting off.

12. If the holiday time is stressful for you and you want some extra support, you can always call of office at 240-274-5680 or email us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com to set up an appointment to talk to one of our warm, caring therapists. Help is here.

Wishing you a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year!

Holiday Survival Guide Part 1 of 2


The holiday season has nearly come and gone. All of a sudden, 2013 is right around the corner. For some, this time of year brings feelings of joy and gratitude. It can be a time of great celebration as well. For others, maybe even you or someone you love, this holiday season may be a source of great stress. So how is it that, during a time so full of wonder and love, some of us can feel more pain than pleasure?

Holiday Challenges

1. Holiday Cheer: Seeing others so happy during this of year time can make you feel pressured to be happy, which may be a challenging if that is not how you are really feeling. This might contribute to feelings of not being understood and depression. May be talking to someone could help.

2. Sending Cards & Gift Giving: Making the list, checking it twice, then shopping for, buying and wrapping the gifts can be exhausting. Also, finding the money to pay for the gifts can put a strain on your budget and your mind. This can be overwhelming and stressful so why not simplify this year?

3. Traveling & Time Off of Work: Between the high cost of transportation, large crowds, losing work hours, having to divide the holiday time with other co-workers, amongst other issues, the holiday season might be more stressful than you planned. Some of these things may increase your fear of travel and/or anxiety about your finances. You could think about celebrating the holidays at home this year or making one trip instead of many.

4. Emphasis on Food & Party: This can be particularly trying for many with eating issues or substance abuse issues. For example, being surrounded by large quantities of food and alcohol might make the temptation too great and the pressure to “be good” almost unbearable.  If you struggle with your eating or substance use, you can get support from loved ones by letting them know, or talking to a counselor can help.

5. Spending Time with Family: Finding a way to visit everyone can be overwhelming and nearly impossible. Sometimes being with family can resurrect unpleasant times or dysfunctional family dynamics. Often the most difficulty is in remembering the ones you’ve lost, causing you to experience great sadness or loneliness. You can plan and prepare for family time. You can enjoy what you have and when you have had enough, it is OK to say “no”.


Note that on any given day, the above challenges could be major stressors for just about anyone. So at the holidays, it is important to pay special attention to your health and wellness. Therefore, it is our hope that the tips in our next post to help to empower you to have the courage to change what is not working for you and embrace what is. 

If the holiday time is stressful for you and you want some extra support, you can always call of office at 240-274-5680 or email us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com to set up an appointment to talk to one of our warm, caring therapists. Help is here.