The holiday season is upon us which typically brings a mix of joy, excitement, and STRESS. Here are a few quick tips for thriving during this busy time.
- Ask for help. The holidays are not all on you. Ask your partner or other family members to chip in. For example, consider a potluck instead of making a whole dinner yourself.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. No one remembers the side dishes or decorations, they remember the experiences with those they love. Focus your efforts on only what’s truly important. For example, maybe you skip holiday cards or thank you notes this year and post to social media or text a video thanks instead.
- Do you. You can’t please everyone all the time. So get in touch with what matters to you most and choose what’s workable (i.e., values-consistent) rather than trying to please others (often to avoid guilt). Their disappointment is not your responsibility. For example, if your family wants you to travel but it’s very expensive and you have two small children, politely decline and invite them to visit you instead.
Clinician’s Corner
If you are a clinician who wants to learn ACT, I have an on-demand CE course (6 hours) called “Breakthrough ACT Techniques & Experiential Exercises: A Clinical Roadmap to Help Clients Overcome Psychological Distress.” Click here for more information or to access the course.
My feel-goodie of the month
This time last year, Halloween was basically cancelled. So here’s my little Sailor Moon trying to beat the coronavirus in lieu of trick-or-treating. This year, the kids went trick-or-treating and hopefully will be getting vaccinated in the next couple weeks! |