Dear Friend,

The winter holidays are depicted as a joyful, festive time. While this is often true, this time of year can also be stressful under the best of circumstances. Shopping, cooking, decorating, spending more time with family and friends (or not), and even eating and drinking are fun activities that also have the potential to overburden your body, mind and spirit at this season. But the deepest joys that arise during this time come from being grateful for the blessings we do have. This month’s newsletter helps you avoid holiday overwhelm by sharing tips on how to be more mindful of those blessings at this time of year.

While we can always benefit from slowing down and considering what we have, it seems more important than ever in 2020, when a global pandemic and other national and world events may add to holiday stress. Are you wondering if you will be able to travel? Will you spend yet another holiday away from the relatives you miss? Are you craving hugs and being close (less than 6 feet) to family and friends?

Many business owners are concerned about 2020’s bottom line. Many have lost jobs or are working fewer hours, while others log additional hours at the hospital or in the virtual classroom, trying to help others maintain their health and growth. If any of this sounds like you, read about how to support your mental health during the holidays.

The changes that 2020 brings, however, can be a gift as well as a source of stress this holiday season. Slowing down, staying home and being with different people – or not many people at all – gives us a chance to consider old habits and traditions. What do we really enjoy? Do we truly miss that cross-country airline flight or the neighborhood New Year’s Eve bash? We’ve also provided a tool that can help you decide which traditions to keep and which to change up.

If you are a caregiver, you may need some support yourself. Our guide to caring for your own mind, body and spirit is a helpful resource. Holidays can also be stressful for military members and their families, and our companion guide for military caregivers includes tips to support your mental health now and through the year ahead. Take 15 minutes and listen to my gratitude meditation that you can stream from YouTube.

Having a more mindful holiday, caring for yourself and your loved ones, and cultivating gratitude is one of the best ways to prepare for a happier, healthier 2021.

Be well,

P.S. Other resources for supporting your mental health from our website include our article on fighting depression caused by isolation, managing the stress and burnout from 2020’s contentious election cycle, practicing self-care in a post-pandemic world, and much more.