Surviving the Holidays & Winter BREAK....

Holiday Stress? Worried about surviving Winter Break?
We've gathered some resources on both of those topics!

Short list of our favorite tips:

• Be realistic about your expectations. This goes for gift-giving, family dynamics, friends, and your own time.
• Take time out to enjoy something. If there's nothing about the holiday seasons that is stress-free to you, focus on something else. This can also be a good time to engage in a breathing exercise or meditation.
• Plan. For as much as you can ahead of time, plan. Make a budget. Plan your time. Plan your activities. Plan your exit from gatherings which may be stressful.
• Live in the Joy.  This is a mindfulness tip of sorts. Allow yourself to feel happy. Don't smother the happy with a to-do list or a feeling of guilt because someone else can't be with you or experience the same thing. It's okay to feel joy.
• Learn to say no. Whether you're staying sober or refraining from the ongoing to-do list, learning to say no is a skill all of us need to practice every single day.

Additional Resources you can share with your families and friends:
5 Things To Do When the Holidays Aren't Exactly Uplifting by MHA National
Winter Break Survival Tips for College Students by MHA National
Holiday Depression & Stress by MHA Wisconsin
Women and the Holiday Blues by the American Psychological Association
Making the Most of the Holiday Season by the American Psychological Association
Stress, Depression and the Holidays by the Mayo Clinic
How to Manage Holiday Stress and Depression by the American Institute of Stress
5 Ways to Manage Your Health Over the Holidays by Forbes
How to Cope with Grief During the Holidays by Psychology Today