The holidays can be a joyful time to connect and spend time with your loved ones. You may find that holidays bring as much stress as they do joy, though, and you are not alone. This year, the Colorado Spirit Team would like to share some stress management and coping techniques to help you and your loved ones navigate this season.
Give Something Personal
You can show love and caring with any gift that is meaningful. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can use words and write someone a letter letting them how important they are to you or you can make a phone call to check in and offer your help during the holidays.
- Visit this page for 21 ideas on gifts that don’t cost a thing!
Get Organized and Share Tasks
Make lists or keep a journal to track your tasks and events to attend. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, so if you feel overwhelmed reach out to your loved ones. Things like decorating, cooking or wrapping gifts can be a way to spend time with family and also lessen your load.
Learn to Say NO and Take Breaks
It is okay to say “no” to things you don’t want to do or attend. Establishing boundaries allows you to make time for the things you enjoy and feel comfortable doing. Pay attention to your needs and your feelings. If you need to spend time alone to reset, do it. Staying busy and participating in group activities can be draining, so it is important to prioritize your self-care.
- Read this article and watch the video on mindfulness and how you can slow down during the holidays.
Create New Traditions
These last two years altered the way we do things and that may have affected the way you spend your holiday season. Try creating new family traditions that are realistic. Creating new traditions allows you to make new memories and takes some pressure off of you. Doing things like volunteering or participating in community events can be a fun and special time for you and your family.
- Visit this page for 51 ideas on family traditions you can begin.
Get Support If You Need It
Holidays can be difficult for many individuals and can bring up feelings of sadness or isolation. They can be especially hard if you are already dealing with the death of a loved one or the breakup of a relationship. You may find it hard to seek support or expect the “blues” to go away on their own, but asking for help from your support systems can help ease the feelings of sadness or isolation.
- Contact the Colorado Spirit Team for short term psychological and emotional support; this is free to all ages. Call our Listening Line at 720-707-6789 or email us at COSpirit@allhealthnetwork.org
We know that this season comes with its set of challenges and can be overwhelming for many families. It is important to focus on the things that matter most to you and prioritize your self-care. Remember that being present in the moment and spending quality time with your loved ones is what the holidays are all about. We hope that this holiday season is special for you and your loved ones!
If speaking to someone would help, please reach out. AllHealth Network provides several supports.
- To speak with someone in the Colorado Spirit Program about stress related to the pandemic, please call 720-707-6789 or visit our webpage at allhealthnetwork.org/Colorado-Spirit
- For information about other services at AllHealth Network or to get connected with ongoing behavioral health support, please call 303-730-8858. AllHealth Network is continuing to provide service via telehealth or by phone and our Crisis Walk-in Center remains open 24/7.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and are in need of immediate assistance, please call the Colorado Crisis Hotline at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or text TALK to 38255.
How do you know if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis? Click here to learn about mental health crisis warning signs to look out for from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Be sure to follow us on Facebook to receive information about our free groups and get notifications when we post coping tips, mindfulness suggestions, and more.
Resources
- Check out our Family and Holiday Stress Blog from last year
