The Holidays are Just Around the Corner

I know, it's only September 30th, but there are already holiday decorations in the stores! 

Now's a great time to begin to picture how you want your holiday season to be.

Peaceful? Loving? Fun?

For many of us - there's an "obligation" to spend time with our family(s). That could mean we are setting ourselves up for something other that peaceful, loving and fun, like stress, worry, depression and lonliness.

First of all it's NORMAL to feel some stress, worry and lonilenss. Even depression is normal.

The key to mental health is to take care of yourself and get help when you need it.

Don't let all of the pressures of shopping, coordinating social functions, negotiating family issues and missing lost loved ones overwhelm you this holiday season.

There are a number of things you can do to keep stress, anxiety and depression at bay.

One of the best antidotes for the holiday blues is doing something for someone else.

Volunteer your time this holiday season to help others who have less than you do. Taking the focus off of yourself and putting it on others can really make you feel much better.

Not only can you help other people, but doing so will add a lot more meaning to your holiday season.

Here are some other tips to plan for NOW!

• Delegate. Don't try to do it all by yourself. By breaking down tasks and sharing them out to friends and family, everything becomes more manageable.
• Spend Time Alone. Some people love the energy and exuberance of big holiday parties and activities. For others, all of it is overwhelming. If you find yourself getting anxious, take a breather. Find a quiet spot to relax and recharge your batteries. Don't worry that other people will miss you!
• Let Go of the Past. Don't be disappointed if your holidays aren't like they used to be. Life brings changes. Embrace NOW, and don't dwell on the fact that the "good old days" are gone.
• Don't Drink Too Much or Don't Drink. It is easy to overindulge around the holidays, but excessive drinking will only make you feel more depressed. If you already are a member of a 12 Step program, schedule your meetings in advance and no matter what's going on, make them your FIRST priority.
• Give Yourself a Break. Don't think in absolute terms. The holidays can be whatever you want them to be. Spend time with friends. Volunteer at local homeless shelters, delivering Meals on Wheels, visit people in need, buy presents for people who can't buy them for themselves.

No matter what your situation is, you can learn to take your power back, set boundaries and enjoy the holiday season.

Sometimes that means we make other plans. It may mean that you change your normal habits. It may mean that you go to your family gatherings, but don't stay as long.

The point is, if you want to have a peaceful, loving and fun holiday season, YOU are the only one that can control that for YOU.

You can't control your family, but you can control the decisions you make about who you're going to spend time with and for how long.

Taking care of your well being and your mental health is more important than any "obligation" you feel you have.

Sometimes we need support to come up with our healthy strategies.

If you have any thoughts of needing support, don't wait.

I'm here to help.