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Ed Land, LISW
December means many of us are focused on year-end activities and vacation planning. This can be a time of excitement, gaiety, and goodwill, but it can also be a time of stress, worry, anxiety, and even depression.
So how best to manage this time and take steps to promote your mental health and overall well-being?
• Stress management: If you have a lot of work to do, trying to multitask can put you in a fight-or-flight mode. Because completing a task requires focusing your energy and conquering your to-do list just like conquering an enemy. When tasks start piling up, it can be helpful to consider which ones we need and which ones we’ll take on because of our own expectations of the “perfect” vacation. If you find yourself taking on tasks because of other people’s expectations, it may be helpful to set appropriate boundaries and have open conversations with them so you can rest and reflect. .
• Acknowledge your grief: Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one over the past year or more, and you see empty chairs on the table at your year-end get-together. It’s important to reach out to others so they can honestly express their feelings. Memories are important, but the past should not overtake the present.
• Maintain routine. When your calendar fills up, your schedule can get “crazy.” Stick to your routine whenever possible. You may need to set additional reminders to take your medication on time or maintain a consistent exercise routine. If you are traveling, consider how you can incorporate your daily routine into your travel plans.
• Make time for self-care: If your friends ask you to go to a local restaurant or go out, take them. Quality time with others is restorative. Remember that you are not pompous when accepting an invitation. Watch out for activities that may seem restorative on the surface, but can backfire, such as excessive alcohol consumption. If you need alone time, you can take it as long as you are not isolated from others.
• Serving the Community: There are plenty of opportunities to serve your community during this time, whether it’s volunteering at your local food pantry or participating in the winter clothing movement. Serving others allows us to focus on ourselves, and giving allows us to receive more.
If you’ve tried the tips above and find yourself in a constant state of stress, anxiety, or depression, it may be time to seek help.There are many organizations available, including Optimae Behavioral Health. Email CIAOBHreferrals@Optimae.com — we’d be happy to help.
Ed Rund (LISW) is the Regional Behavioral Health Director for Optimae Behavioral Health in Des Moines.
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